TOKYO: There are reports Japan has temporarily stopped accepting live feeder and breeder cattle from Australia. It comes after a consignment of young dairy cows air-freighted from Victoria last week reportedly tested positive to Bovine Johne’s Disease.
The Department said in a statement they were working closely with the Japanese on the issue. “The Department is investigating, to confirm that cattle were prepared according to the importing country requirements.”
While Japan isn’t a large importer of live Australian cattle volume wise, it is an important market for full-blood and first-cross Wagyu feeder steers and heifers, which demand a premium price. Japan has a national program in place to eradicate BJD from its herd.
