Assessment of the NSW Ovine Johne's Disease Program - The Bull Report
Summary
The Terms of Reference of this report were to:
- Undertake an analysis of the current situation including:
- Lessons learnt from program to date
- Current knowledge about the disease, its spread and control strategies
- The impact of both the disease and current control strategies on stakeholders including wool and sheep meat producers and others in rural communities who interact with these producers, at an individual, regional and statewide level.
- Identify and define potential future developments which may impact on the management of OJD in NSW including (but not limited to):
- Possible risks to government
- The likelihood of disease spread and potential impacts on production and animal welfare
- Other industry issues, including the capacity of individual producers and the sheep industry to collectively manage disease risks
- Trends in management of the disease in other jurisdictions and internationally and potential implications for trade.
- Define appropriate objectives for OJD management in NSW, taking into account industry and government positions.
- Develop options for achieving these objectives, including an analysis of the "do nothing option", and provide commentary on the implications of these options from the perspective of cost, social impact and animal health management.
- Define the potential roles of industry and Government, including funding for each option.
- Work with the OJD Advisory Committee and other relevant groups to undertake - consultation.
- Make recommendations to the Minister on a preferred option for the future.
