JBS Australia has announced its three NSW feedlots, including at Yanco, will only accept cattle that have been vaccinated with Bovilis MH+IBR to help control the effects of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) from September 1.

BRD is a devastating respiratory condition affecting cattle of all ages and the leading cause of mortality within the cattle industry.

JBS Australia said it takes the health and welfare of cattle in its care seriously and was striving to do everything it could to reduce sickness and mortalities at its feedlots.

The organisation believes the cattle industry has a responsibility to drive animal welfare improvements and pre-vaccination of cattle with Bovilis MH+IBR on farm prior to feedlot induction.

IN OTHER NEWS:

JBS Australia's northern livestock manager Scott Carswell said the critical point of BRD prevention in cattle happens on farm.

"The risk of BRD is at its peak in the first couple of weeks at the feedlot and the critical point of prevention happens on-farm prior to feedlot induction," he said.

"Vaccinating prior to feedlot entry with Bovilis MH+IBR has two main benefits.

"Firstly, when cattle are pre-vaccinated in an unstressed environment, they are expected to develop a better response to the vaccine.

"Secondly and, most importantly, pre-vaccinated cattle have a higher level of protection at the time of maximum risk.

"That's why we are making it mandatory from September 1 that all cattle who enter our feedlots in Caroona, Prime City and Riverina have at least one shot of Bovilis MH+IBR from 180 days to 14 days prior to delivery."

The company said it understood changes to production practices take time and it will be taking a stepped approach to implementing this program.

In the lead up to the cut-off date, JBS will continue to receive cattle during August that have not been vaccinated, but will apply a $0.05/kg discount to these cattle.

For all cattle that have been pre-vaccinated, JBS will continue to pay a $15 premium per head to cover the cost of vaccination.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: