March 3, 2010

Disease-free status boosts Australia dairy potential

Australian dairy exporters will have better access to overseas markets after all dairy herds in Australia were found to be free from infectious viral disease Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (EBL).

The disease can reduce the productivity of dairy cattle and was first reported in Australia in 1966.

The dairy industry began an EBL control programme in 1995 and has now achieved "provisional freedom" from the disease. A further three years of monitoring is needed before Australia can receive "unconditional" freedom from EBL.

Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said Australia already exports dairy to Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East, and could now expand into new territories.

Every time Australia receives disease-free status, new markets open up worldwide, said Burke.