From 31 March 2008 a new national form (available for download below) will replace all previous state versions of the sheep health statement. Note this form will not double as a Transported Stock Statement or NLIS document in NSW.

The sheep industry and governments have agreed nationally to manage OJD through an Assurance Based Credit (ABC) points system. The ABC system is underpinned by the national Sheep Health Statement (SHS).

The national SHS is a formal document, signed by the seller, that provides information on the health status of restocker sheep. It is a valuable tool by which buyers can assess a number of significant conditions including OJD, footrot, ovine brucellosis and lice.

Prospective buyers of sheep are able to assess the risk a line of sheep represents to their own flock when purchasing or agisting sheep.

The SHS became mandatory in NSW from 17 January 2004 for the sale or agistment of restocker sheep. It must be completed accurately and signed. There are stiff penalties for false or misleading information.

The Statement is not required for exempt sheep. Exempt sheep are:

• sheep being moved to slaughter, directly or via a slaughter-only sale
• lambs accompanied by a National Vendor Declaration on which section 7 has been filled in with the words PRIME LAMBS FOR SLAUGHTER ONLY,
• Sheep being sent or delivered to a Sheep Health Statement exempt sale.

Two relevant Primefacts are available for downlaod below. The new national SHS is available below as well, and is also available from your agent or through your local Rural Lands Protection Board.

• OJD: The national sheep health statement (Primefact 940)
• Health statement exempt sales (Primefact 659)