New research is underway to deliver modernised management strategies for Annual Ryegrass Toxicity (ARGT) to support livestock and grains production, as well as hay exports.
New research is underway to deliver modernised management strategies for Annual Ryegrass Toxicity (ARGT) to support livestock and grains production, as well as hay exports.
ARGT is potentially fatal to livestock after consuming annual ryegrass infected by the bacterium Rathayibacter toxicus (formerly known as Clavibacter toxicus).
While incidences significantly declined in the early 2000s, due to the development of a resistant ryegrass variety, improved testing and effective management strategies, there have been recent anecdotal reports of ARGT - particularly in high rainfall areas.
A multidisciplinary project has commenced - spanning plant pathology, weed science, climate modelling, molecular diagnostics and veterinary science - to determine current ARGT distribution in WA and update knowledge, tools and management recommendations.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is leading the 'Modernising Detection, Risk Prediction and Management of ARGT in WA' project.
Research scientist and project lead Sarah Collins said the research would help reduce livestock losses, protect market access and strengthen industry resilience.
"This project will deliver a contemporary, evidence-based understanding of ARGT issues across WA to equip the grain, livestock and fodder industries," Dr Collins said.
"The initiative will build on previous research by consolidating information and data, together with interrogating extensive test records to inform ARGT climate modelling and mapping.
"The work will also help examine the potential to develop a modern forecasting model and pre-season risk assessments to provide an early warning system to producers and exporters.
"This will be complemented by an improved risk management package for a new generation of producers, exporters and industry bodies."
A short online or in-person survey is currently open to producers and industry stakeholders to map current ARGT incidences and tailor the project to industry requirements.
A key component of the research will examine the cost of stock losses, which previously reached as high as $7-8 million per annum, as well as associated risks to the grains industry and exports.
WA's export fodder industry currently accounts for 40 per cent of Australia's total volume of 1.2 million tonnes per annum, valued at more than $500 million.
"ARGT poses a threat across the entire value chain, from on-farm livestock profitability and welfare through to export market access," Dr Collins said.
"This wide-ranging research will not only support agricultural production, but also the integrity of Australia's strict export fodder screening regime, which sees DPIRD's Diagnostic Laboratory Services test more than 10,000 hay samples each year."
For more information on ARGT in livestock, sampling information and a Factsheet visit the DPIRD website.
To participate in the ARGT distribution survey and receive a free test kit visit the Annual ryegrass toxicity webpage .
