July 7, 2009
China inks cattle trade agreement with Australia
China has recently signed a trade agreement with the government of Australia that is expected to boost the numbers of dairy cattle for exports.
Chinese quarantine authorities have created mandates for Australian dairy cattle, relaxing restrictions with regard to bovine tuberculosis tests, and recognising bluetongue virus zoning system.
Minister for Agriculture Tony Burke also announced that China has lifted its ban on the export of Australian dairy cattle from within 100 kilometres of the nearest bovine ephemeral fever occurrence in the previous two years, which means cattle can now be sourced from more regions.
Last year, China was Australia's second most important market for dairy breeding cattle, with exports close to A$24 million (US$19.09 million).
US$1 = A$1.25 (July 7)
