A new national OJD management plan (OJDMP) will start on March 31, ending the current 2004-2007 plan.

The OJDMP reflects a rationalisation of the existing prevalence areas from four to three and a subsequent change in the ABC points allocated to each prevalence area.

"Data from abattoir surveillance has shown that the prevalence of OJD has increased in some regions and decreased in other regions," NSW Department of Primary Industries animal biosecurity policy officer, Therese Wright, said.

"The new prevalence areas and associated ABC points were agreed by stakeholders after technical analysis of this data.

"The new boundaries more closely relate to regional risk; while the new points quantify the true risk that sheep from these areas represent.

"Nationally accepted standards and practices for the OJDMP are documented on the Animal Health Australia website," she said.

Producers completing a Sheep Health Statement (SHS) should check the state prevalence map to see which prevalence area they are in and remember the new ABC score for their area.

From March 31, a new national form will replace all previous state versions of the sheep health statement.

All unused stocks of state SHS should be destroyed after March 30.

The new form may be downloaded from the Animal Health Australia website.

It will not be individually numbered. Producers may obtain a copy of the new statement by:

• downloading it directly from the web, or
• requesting a copy from their agents, or
• requesting a copy from their local Rural Lands Protection Board.

Producers should note that the new form cannot be used as a Transported Stock Statement.

Contact the AHA or DPI websites, www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/aahc/programs/jd/ojd.cfm or
www.ojdinfo.nsw.gov.au for further information on OJD management.