Vote now on North West OJD status review

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 North West Livestock Health and Pest Authority.

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

Shaun Slattery, North West LHPA senior district veterinarian, says the whole North West LHPA district has had an OJD Exclusion Area status since September 2004.

"The North West OJD Exclusion Area was initially set up 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.

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

Voting papers were posted to sheep producers last week. Responses are due back to the North West LHPA by 13 December (may be postmarked on 13 December).

"We are asking producers with more than 50 sheep to vote for or against the Exclusion Area renewal," Mr Slattery said.

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

"The Exclusion Area program aims to minimise the risk of OJD being introduced into the North West 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 North West LHPA.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378