Queensland’s Agriculture Minister says the strain of bovine Johne’s disease found on a cattle farm near Rockhampton last week is yet to be confirmed.

Authorities investigated 40 properties initially following the confirmation of the muscle-wasting disease on a property north of Rockhampton last week.

Sixteen of those properties implicated are now under quarantine and the disease strain is still being determined by scientists in Victoria.

Minister John McVeigh says he believes his department is working well to control the outbreak.

“I do not want to be criticised for dragging the chain… as soon as we were advised of this positive result, I was able to make an announcement at the first instance and my department swung into gear immediately,” he said.

“So now, just just a week and a half into the process, to have 11 properties out of 40 cleared already and excellent prospects for the rest is a good result.”

Meeting with producers in Rockhampton today, Mr McVeigh says many had questions about the disease.

“For those not familiar with BJD, it was about what this response process is all about, the testing procedures and some of the science and technology behind those.

“They wanted to understand the assistance package that’s available through the Queensland cattle biosecurity fund.

“In the end, it’s about providing them with all of the information they need as soon as possible.”