Threat to biosecurity
THE devastating extent of cattle deaths in the North Queensland floods is “becoming a biosecurity issue”, with the army to help with the grim job of disposing of the animals.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner and his Opposition counterpart Tony Perrett were yesterday granted leave from State Parliament to travel north to inspect the flood damage and the “confronting” stock losses farmers are now grappling with.
“As the weather progresses and heats up there it is becoming a biosecurity matter,” Mr Furner said yesterday before flying to Mount Isa with Mr Perrett and departmental staff in tow.
They will visit the floodravaged areas from there.
“It is very confronting. We are standing shoulder to shoulder with these communities and we will see this disaster through. I will make sure that we will supply them with everything our government can throw at them,” he said.
Mr Furner could not say how many cattle had been lost as yet, with firmer numbers to be gathered once the floodwaters recede.
He said there was no indication of meat shortages as a result of the disaster “but certainly there will be increases in meat prices no doubt as a result of this and that’s typical of a disaster where it affects a primary industry area”.
The Government’s chief vet Dr Allison Crook said it was working with the ADF to develop a plan to dispose of the animals.
But she warned people to be careful when handling the stock.
“There are many lenges logistically rently,” she said.
“The main consideration is about minimising contact. If people do need to go near them . . . we are asking people to cover up, that is to wear appropriate longsleeve clothing, appropriate boots and gloves . . . to minimise contact.” chalcur-