Dirty trucks spread disease - Bill Sykes
Restrictions on livestock truck wash facilities due to the drought are increasing the risk of the spread of diseases such as Johnes’ Disease, Salmonellosis and possibly Equine Influenza according to Nationals MP for Benalla and Veterinarian, Bill Sykes.
Dr Sykes has been contacted by several livestock transport operators reporting reduced access to truck wash facilities at Euroa and Shepparton. These operators are concerned about spreading diseases between properties and soiling animals destined for slaughter thereby increasing food safety concerns.
Dr Sykes said, “I recognise the need to save water as the prolonged dry spell continues however it is critical that livestock transports be kept as clean as possible in order to minimise the risk of spreading disease and ensuring that animals arrive at their destination as clean as possible.
“I have raised the issue locally and I have also written to the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Water asking them to come up with a common sense, practical solution which minimises water usage whilst ensuring clean livestock transport vehicles.
Dr Sykes continued, “At the moment, livestock carriers in the Euroa area have to travel to Shepparton to access truck wash facilities as the Euroa facilities are only open when there is a local sale – about once per month.
“I have also been advised that the Shepparton truck wash facility will now be closed for most of the weekend making it even less convenient for livestock transport operators to clean their trucks.”
Dr Sykes concluded, “The current outbreak of Equine Influenza and its rapid spread over long distances has highlighted the importance of measures such as vehicle hygiene.
“I am ready, willing and able to work with the responsible Ministers to come up with common sense, practical options for maintaining livestock transport hygiene as an important aspect of maintaining our high standards of livestock transport in Victoria.”
Dr Sykes has been contacted by several livestock transport operators reporting reduced access to truck wash facilities at Euroa and Shepparton. These operators are concerned about spreading diseases between properties and soiling animals destined for slaughter thereby increasing food safety concerns.
Dr Sykes said, “I recognise the need to save water as the prolonged dry spell continues however it is critical that livestock transports be kept as clean as possible in order to minimise the risk of spreading disease and ensuring that animals arrive at their destination as clean as possible.
“I have raised the issue locally and I have also written to the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Water asking them to come up with a common sense, practical solution which minimises water usage whilst ensuring clean livestock transport vehicles.
Dr Sykes continued, “At the moment, livestock carriers in the Euroa area have to travel to Shepparton to access truck wash facilities as the Euroa facilities are only open when there is a local sale – about once per month.
“I have also been advised that the Shepparton truck wash facility will now be closed for most of the weekend making it even less convenient for livestock transport operators to clean their trucks.”
Dr Sykes concluded, “The current outbreak of Equine Influenza and its rapid spread over long distances has highlighted the importance of measures such as vehicle hygiene.
“I am ready, willing and able to work with the responsible Ministers to come up with common sense, practical options for maintaining livestock transport hygiene as an important aspect of maintaining our high standards of livestock transport in Victoria.”
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posted by Greg Naylor at
5:02 PM
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