Strong support for Northern OJD Exclusion Area

New England sheep producers have voted to retain the existing Northern ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) Exclusion Area status which covers the entire New England Livestock Health and Pest Authority district.

One third of eligible sheep producers were polled on whether they wanted the OJD exclusion area to continue, according to New England LHPA district veterinarian Andrew Biddle.

"We sent 479 surveys to sheep producers in late February and there was a fantastic response," he said.

"Approximately 67 per cent returned the survey, and of those 96 per cent were in favour of retaining the exclusion area.

"Based on the results, we can conclude that sheep producers in the New England are supportive of the OJD exclusion area and would like to see it maintained.

"The New England LHPA sees this as a strong signal to maintain its current program and ramp up awareness and education in relation to OJD."

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

For more information on the Northern OJD Exclusion Area contact your local LHPA district vet.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378