Live dairy exports from northern Victoria are being rejected by the Chinese market, despite Australian authorities declaring livestock from the previously affected bluetongue virus area as safe.
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In October 2017 a 100-km restriction zone was placed around a farm in Echuca after BTV antibodies were present in cattle that underwent pre-export testing, causing disruptions to an industry worth $100 million annually.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources issued a statement in regards to the dairy livestock export dilemma.
“Australia continues to work closely with all importing countries, including China, to ensure importing country requirements are met for every commodity,” the spokesperson said.
“Negotiations are underway with China for live export of cattle located within the boundaries of the former bluetongue exclusion zone.”