THOUSANDS of Australian registered goat farmers have won a reprieve from perilous domestic trade, which has been handicapped by biosecurity concerns.
As of this week the Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA) has introduced a national goat health statement to assist producers provide information about the health status of their goats during sale transactions which previously have been difficult to ascertain.
GICA president Steven Roots conceded this week that the new declaration would bring a “new level” of assurance for producers involved with the trading of goats.
“There is always a risk involved when buying and selling goats and this statement will eliminate some of that risk for producers,” Mr Roots said.
Mr Roots said the declaration would become an “important part” of trading goats and assist in minimising the spread of disease Australia wide.
For mohair producer Ian Cathles, the declaration is welcomed news.
Mr Cathles said a goat health statement that included a risk rating system for Johnes’s disease was a “long awaited” management tool for his industry.
“This statement reassures our industry that what stock we buy and sell is of good animal health,” Mr Cathles said.
As of 2009 there are in excess of 8000 registered goat producers Australia wide.
