The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has confirmed Japan has suspended live cattle imports from Australia.
A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources said Japanese authorities have announced they will temporarily stop accepting feeder and breeder cattle from Australia after a number of cattle tested positive for bovine Johne’s in ‘post arrival quarantine.’
The spokesperson said the department is investigating in order to confirm the cattle were prepared according to the importing country requirements and is working closely with Japanese authorities.
A spokesperson for the office of the Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said:
A consignment of 300 cattle were brought into Japan in May 2016. The Japanese have detected traces of bovine Johne's disease, subsequently suspending the imports.
Under Australian protocols, heifers must be tested twice for the disease before they can be approved for export to Japan.
Japan is Australia's ninth largest destination for live cattle, exporting just over 10,000 head worth $14.6 million in 2014-15. Most are high value Wagyu steers.
Indonesia is the largest destination, with exports worth more than $1 billion.
BJD is an incurable bacterial infection that causes wasting in infected animals, which can eventually starve to death.
The disease exists in many countries including Australia, though large parts of Australia and most beef cattle herds are regarded as BJD-free.
-With AAP
