Date – 9 September 2011

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association today called on all those involved in the sheep industry to maintain their vigilance against Ovine Johne’s disease (OJD). The prevalence of this disease has doubled in three years and may now have struck 35 per cent of flocks.

In particular, the TFGA is encouraging graziers to contribute to a national online survey that will be used in a review of OJD control measures.

OJD is a wasting disease that causes thickening of a sheep’s intestinal wall, blocking nutrient absorption. Transmission and infection is mostly through pastures soiled by infected animal faeces. Infection can occur at any age through contaminated udders, pasture, feed or water. Young sheep are most susceptible.

TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said today it was imperative that farmers trading sheep should complete health statements when selling their sheep and insist on the statements being provided when they buy.

“Without immediate producer action, OJD will rapidly spread throughout the state. The best protection is proactive management through lamb vaccination, even in unaffected flocks,” she said.

Ms Davis said that, as well as vaccinating, farmers had to be honest with each other about their flock management and when trading sheep.

Local monitoring of OJD is passed on to Animal Health Australia (AHA) and forms part of a risk assessment scheme of states, called the Assurance Based Credit (ABC) system.

Tasmania has a medium prevalence rating under the ABC system. However, the increasing incidence of OJD could lead to a high rating that will impact on all flocks in terms of the proof and measures required to ensure they are disease-free, including vaccinating and culling. Going from medium to high prevalence would have serious trade and marketing implications for all Tasmanian sheep producers.

“The national OJD Management Plan is under review and we are urging all interested producers to have their say in a future program,” Ms Davis said.

The findings have been summarised in a public discussion paper that includes four options for the management of OJD beyond June 30, 2012.

An on-line survey has been designed for all sheep industry participants to provide input on their preferred approach for OJD management. The survey is open until October 14 and can be found at: www.ojd.com.au

WoolProducers Australia and the Sheepmeat Council of Australia will assess the review.
Jan Davis http://www.tfga.com.au/