Vote now on New England OJD status review

Surveyed sheep producers are asked to vote now 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.

The review is part of the state wide NSW Industry and Investment policy on OJD Exclusion Areas.

Andrew Biddle, New England LHPA district veterinarian, says the whole New England LHPA district is a current OJD Exclusion Area.

"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," he said.

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

Voting papers were posted to a random selection of eligible sheep producers last week. Responses are due back to the New England LHPA by 25 March.

"We have sent surveys to one-third of eligible sheep producers. 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," said Mr Biddle.

"We are holding information days at various locations across the New England LHPA district over the coming weeks where surveyed sheep producers can obtain further information. For details of the OJD information sessions contact your local LHPA office or visit the website at http://www.lhpa.org.au/districts/newengland.

"The Northern OJD Exclusion Area 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."

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

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378