Vote ends soon for OJD review

Surveyed sheep producers in the Coonabarabran district are asked to cast their vote by Friday 4 November on whether they want the local ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) Exclusion Area status to be renewed.

Bob McKinnon, Central North LHPA senior district veterinarian, says the Exclusion Area covers the north-western part of the Central North Livestock Health and Pest Authority and has been operational since 2004.

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

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

Voting papers and information packs were posted to sheep producers in October and responses are due back to the Central North LHPA by Friday 4 November.

"We surveyed those sheep producers who indicated on their 2010 Land and Stock Return that they had more than 50 sheep on their property as at 30 August 2009," Dr McKinnon said.

"For the Exclusion Area to be considered for renewal at least 50 per cent of sheep producers must vote."

The Exclusion Area program aims to minimise the risk of OJD being introduced into an area and may provide trade advantages for specific markets where OJD is not present.

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

If you would like more information on the OJD Exclusion Area review, contact your local office of the Central North LHPA.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378