Ovine Johne’s Disease
National OJD Management Plan 2012-2017
WoolProducers Australia and Sheepmeat Council of Australia have reached a decision on the future approach to the management of ovine Johne’s disease post June 2012. The plan will be a five year national plan, with a transition phase beginning 1 July 2012, and full implementation to begin on 1 January 2013.
•To minimise the risk of infection by Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (Mptb) spreading to properties and regions that currently appear disease free. The high, medium and low prevalence area system will be replaced by two areas to be called ‘Control’ and ‘Protected’. The proposed criteria for defining these areas are: 1.As a general guide Protected Areas should have a 95% confidence limit for true prevalence of about 1% or less and have an effective process to deal with any new infections. As a result of these changes to the program there will be a review of the SHS and subsequent modification to the ABC scheme which will be undertaken by representative of each state department, WoolProducers Australia and Sheepmeat Council of Australia. The Program Overview provides further detail of the changes. Producers, find out ‘What you need to know'. The current arrangements, including Prevalence Areas will be in use during the transition phase (until 31 December 2012) until the full implmentation on 1 January 2013. Current (until 31 December 2012) Prevalence Area maps available for download.
The principal aims of the plan from July 2012 will be:
•To reduce the financial impact and adverse animal health and welfare effects of the disease on individual flocks, and on the sheep industry as a whole.
2.Areas having an estimated flock prevalence of 1.0% or greater (effectively endemic) controlled by the use of vaccination and by property and locality biosecurity management will be classed as Control Areas.
During the transition phase, groups of producers who are able to meet the criteria for the Protected Area will be required to register an approved Regional Biosecurity Plan (RBP).
Australia New South Wales Victoria
If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact your local Department of Agriculture Animal Health Officer or visit the OJD website
National Sheep Health Statement
To help you make better buying decisions, the sheep industries, governments and agents have agreed on a National Sheep Health Statement (SHS) that encourages potential buyers of sheep to ask about the health status of the sheep. The National SHS covers ovine Johne’s disease, footrot, ovine brucellosis and lice. For most diseases a simple yes or no answer is required, however for Johne’s disease you will also need to work out your ABC score as well.
To download a Sheep Health Statement click the following link National Sheep Health Statement
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Ovine Johne's Disease