BIOSECURITY Queensland is offering incentive payments to test cattle or sheep showing signs of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) on behalf of the Bucks for Brains program.
Bucks for Brains funding is available to offset the costs of clinical examinations, collecting samples, completing documentation and the freight of samples to the laboratory.
Veterinarians can receive incentive payments to assist them with farm visits to new and existing clients to investigate eligible animals with signs consistent with TSEs. The payments are for $357 (GST Inc.) for eligible cattle submissions or $247.50 (GST Inc.) for eligible sheep submissions.
Veterinarians can also provide additional service to their clients by submitting a full range of samples for subsidised laboratory investigation of the alternative cause of disease. This testing is undertaken at no further cost to the veterinarian or their client. The laboratory results can inform prevention or treatment of any identified conditions in future - meaning a win for the hip pocket and a win for the remaining herd.
Incentives are also available for clients who participate in the scheme along with their veterinarian with available payments to producers of $330 (cattle) or $110 (sheep) for eligible sample submission.
Signs of TSEs include: apprehension and nervousness; abnormal posture; agitation; difficulty rising; paralysis; increased sensitivity to touch and sound; mild behavioural and neurological signs; poor coordination; muscle tremors and pruritus in sheep. Contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au for more information on how you can take advantage of the Bucks for Brains program.
