Reminder to vote on New England OJD status review

Surveyed sheep producers are reminded to vote on whether they want the ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) Exclusion Area status to be continued for the New England Livestock Health and Pest Authority.

Voting papers are due back to the New England LHPA by 25 March.

Andrew Biddle, New England LHPA district veterinarian, says they have received a number of responses already and encourages the remaining producers to vote before the closing date.

"We sent surveys to one-third of eligible sheep producers in February. So far the response has been good, but we are hoping for all surveyed producers to cast their vote so we can confident that the results come from an appropriate sample size," he said.

"For the Exclusion Area to be renewed at least 50 per cent of those surveyed must vote and 50 per cent of those votes must be in favour."

The Northern OJD Exclusion Area was initially set up in 2004 at the request of sheep producers. The program has been managed locally, with the LHPA providing advice on trading and undertaking action when an infection or suspected infection occurs.

"It aims to minimise the risk of OJD being introduced into the New England LHPA and may provide trade advantages for specific markets where OJD is not present," said Mr Biddle.

If you would like more information, contact your local office of the New England LHPA.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378