Upper Western Division OJD status up for review

Over the coming weeks surveyed sheep producers will be asked to vote on whether they want the ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) Exclusion Area to be maintained for the Darling Livestock Health and Pest Authority district.

The review is a requirement of the state wide NSW Department of Primary Industries policy on OJD Exclusion Areas.

Robert Wason, Darling LHPA chairman, says the whole Darling LHPA district is currently an OJD Exclusion Area.

"The Upper Western Division OJD Exclusion Area was initially set up in 2004 at the request of sheep producers," he said.

"The program has been managed locally, with the LHPA and NSW DPI providing advice on trading and undertaking action when an infection or suspected infection occurs.

"That status is now due for renewal and we are asking sheep producers to decide whether the Exclusion Area should be continued."

Voting papers will be posted to a random selection of eligible sheep producers over the next few weeks. Surveyed producers will have approximately three weeks to return their voting paper to the Darling LHPA.

"We are sending surveys to forty percent of eligible sheep producers. For the Exclusion Area to be maintained at least 50 per cent of those surveyed must vote and 50 per cent of those votes must be in favour," said Mr Wason.

"The Upper Western Division OJD Exclusion Area aims to minimise the risk of OJD being introduced into the area, reducing potential costs for sheep producers and providing trade advantages for specific markets where OJD is not present."

If you would like more information, contact your local office of the Darling LHPA, or the NSW DPI veterinary officer, Charlotte Cavanagh on 6830 0003.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378