Update for NSW sheep producers on the new national OJD Management Plan

Key points from 1 July 2013 for NSW sheep producers

No zones or prevalence areas for OJD

From 1 July 2013 the previous Prevalence Areas and Exclusion Areas will no longer exist.

There will be no restrictions on movements of sheep within NSW on account of OJD.

Sheep producers in some Local Land Services districts are developing Regional Biosecurity Plans (RBPs) which will operate on a set of voluntary guidelines for sheep introductions. Negotiations are ongoing, and more detail will be posted here once the plans are finalised for the following Local Land Services (LLS).

Northern Tablelands LLS
Central West LLS (Coonabarabran)
Central West LLS (Coonamble)
Central West LLS (Nyngan)
Western LLS
Riverina LLS
Murray LLS

See below for more information on RBPs.

OJD remains notifiable

OJD is a listed disease with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). As a member country, Australia has international reporting obligations on listed diseases, so for this reason OJD will remain notifiable.

Keeping records on the distribution of OJD within NSW will assist official veterinarians to advise sheep producers of any change in OJD risk in their area.

Producers will not be required to test or vaccinate sheep for OJD in NSW. There will be no restrictions on movements of sheep within NSW on account of OJD.

National Sheep Health Statements (SHS) will be voluntary for movements of restocker sheep within NSW

The SHS will be voluntary for sheep moving within NSW from 1 July 2013.

A signed, completed SHS is still required to accompany sheep entering NSW as a vendor declaration for footrot.

The SHS is a valuable biosecurity risk assessment tool for sheep producers. All buyers of restocker sheep are strongly encouraged to obtain an SHS prior to buying or agisting sheep.

The SHS has been updated to reflect the changes in the new national management program. The new form (Version 3) should be used from 1 July 2013 and it can be downloaded from the National OJD website.

The new SHS is an approved vendor declaration for footrot in NSW. It can not be used as a transport or NLIS document.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the SHS are available.

Regional Biosecurity Plans (RBPs)

The national OJD management plan recognises that producers have the responsibility to manage the risks for all livestock diseases that could affect their stock. By working together in groups the strength of biosecurity systems is enhanced. Groups are encouraged to include management of the risk of other important sheep diseases such as footrot, lice and ovine brucellosis (OB) as well as OJD when developing RBPs.

Guidelines for developing RBPs are available on the National OJD website.

Formation of an RBP is voluntary in NSW and groups will not have regulatory powers to enforce the guidelines. Groups will require strong producer support to achieve their targets and pass annual audits.

Sheep producers in these former Livestock Health and Pest Authority districts (now Local Land Services) are developing Regional Biosecurity Plans (RBPs) which will operate on a set of voluntary guidelines for sheep introductions. Negotiations are ongoing, and more detail will be available once the plans are finalised.

Northern Tablelands LLS
Central West LLS (Coonabarabran)
Central West LLS (Coonamble)
Central West LLS (Nyngan)
Western LLS
Riverina LLS
Murray LLS

Queensland and South Australia have indicated that they will introduce state-wide RBPs supported by regulation.

NSW producers wishing to market sheep into Queensland or South Australia will have to meet entry requirements for their sheep to move legally into these states. The exact requirements have not been made available yet, although membership of a RBP recognised by Qld and SA will be one method of maintaining entry to these store markets. Producers who do not belong to a recognised RBP will probably be required to undertake some form of testing to send sheep to Queensland or South Australia after 1 July 2013.

For further information on interstate requirements, contact the Department of Primary Industries in the state the sheep are moving to.

Gudair^® Vaccination

Vaccination of all sheep which may be at risk of exposure to OJD is strongly recommended, with the best results achieved if the sheep are vaccinated before 16 weeks of age.

There are no restrictions on the sale or supply of Gudair? vaccine in NSW.

Abattoir Surveillance

Abattoir inspection of sheep over 2 years of age in NSW is part of the National Sheep Health Monitoring Project administered by Animal Health Australia. Monitoring of NSW sheep occurs at Wallangarra, Gundagai, Cootamundra and Cowra abattoirs on a rotational basis.

Requests for monitoring can be made using the form “Owner request for abattoir monitoring or a NSW Sheep Health Monitoring report”. Reports from the National Sheep Health Monitoring Project are provided to producers by NSW DPI and are a valuable tool for monitoring many diseases of sheep.

The results of abattoir monitoring may also be used to provide assurance in Section C2 and C6 on the SHS. For more information on abattoir surveillance visit the Abattoir monitoring page of the National OJD website.

Interstate Trade

Sheep may enter NSW regardless of their OJD status provided they are accompanied by a signed, completed National Sheep Health Statement and NLIS documentation. This must be provided to the person in charge of the sheep at their destination.

Other states may impose restrictions on the entry of sheep from NSW into their jurisdiction. Specific requirements for each state should be checked with the relevant state’s department of agriculture or primary industries prior to moving the sheep. Sheep may require inspection, testing or certification which must be arranged in advance.

Further information

Historical information on the OJD Exclusion and Prevalence Areas.
Further information on the new National OJD Management Program 2013-18.