Producers urged to observe locust treatment withholding periods

Livestock producers involved in spraying locust bands throughout the State are being urged to observe marketing withholding periods outlined on chemical labels.

These withholding periods are also detailed in the SafeMeat brochure provided by Rural Lands Protection Boards when landholders are issued with chemical for locust control.

Banding locusts eating through Paterson's curse at Mendooran

The Australian economy, and in particular our livestock industries, could suffer irreparable damage if export meat products are found to contain chemical residues as a result of plague locust control operations.

When marketing livestock fattened on spring pastures and crops, producers need to take care that the chemical withholding periods have been observed and recorded on the National Vendor Declaration.

Livestock producers need to:

• check the type of chemical used for control of locusts on their properties;
• observe the relevant withholding period or export slaughter interval;
• read the label direction and use the correct treatment rate, and observe the harvest and grazing withholding periods;
• observe the appropriate export interval (EI) before selling stock for slaughter, especially where meat could be destined for an overseas market;
• keep records of any spray activity;
• inform neighbours of any spray activity;
• fill in the National Vendors Declaration (NVD) correctly;
• If unsure, seek advice from chemical manufacturers, chemical suppliers, the Department of Primary Industries or your local Rural Lands Protection Board.

Further information is available by contacting your local Rural Lands Protection Board.

Media contacts: Brett Fifield on (02) 6391 3311 or 0427 029 511 or Trudy Glasgow on (02) 6391 3312 or 0427 217 354.