The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) seeks collaboration from all stakeholders, including farmers, to completely eradicate tuberculosis in cattle in Fiji.

Sighting Australia’s success in eradicating bovine tuberculosis in 1997, BAF Executive Chairman Mr. Xavier Riyaz Khan emphasized the need for strong commitment and support from all stakeholders involved in the dairy and cattle industry to rid Fiji of this disease.

“It is extremely important for Fiji to be bovine tuberculosis free so we can eliminate the associated risks to human health, protect and enhance Fiji’s exports and improve productivity in our beef and dairy industries,” Mr Khan said.

Public-private partnerships are effective at eradicating such diseases in many developed countries and Fiji can easily adopt these models with assistance from the World Organisation of Epizootics, as BAF is the official delegate of behalf of Fiji.

“Fiji exports Fijian-made animal products to few countries – including Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, the USA, Australia and Vietnam. In line with the Fijian Government’s vision to increase agricultural products,we are also in the process of accessing niche markets for certain Fijian-made bovine products, but to meet import standards for certain overseas markets we need to eliminate this disease,” he said.

Mr. Khan said bovine tuberculosis is a contagious disease affecting animals and humans. It is a chronic disease of cattle caused by Mycobacterium bovis.

Some signs and symptoms for bovine tuberculosis in cattle are weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, fluctuating fever, persistent cough and diarrhea.

Mr. Khan advised all farmers to inform the nearest BAF or Ministry of Agriculture Office if they find any signs or symptoms of bovine tuberculosis in their cattle or calves.

He has also requested all cattle farmers to register their farms and animal herds to the nearest BAF Office or call BAF Animal Disease Surveillance at their toll free number, 5997 to enable BAF and other key stakeholders to work closely to eradicate Bovine Tuberculosis.

Mr. Khan said the eradication of bovine tuberculosis from Fiji is only possible through partnerships and collaboration between all stakeholders, including farmers, BAF, government agencies and representatives of livestock farmers such as the Fiji Crop and Livestock Council.

ENDS

For further information please contact Public Relations Officer Ms. Devika Narayan on 3312512, 9957085 or email dnarayan@baf.com.fj

or dnarayan266@gmaill.com