Vaccinate now against Ovine Johnes Disease (OJD)

Producers are reminded that lamb marking time is a good opportunity to vaccinate against Ovine Johnes Disease (OJD).

Vaccination is an effective way to manage disease on an infected property, but may also be part of a risk management strategy for properties not yet known to be infected.

At risk properties include:

  • Properties in a high rainfall zone
  • Properties with an infected neighbour
  • Properties which are at the bottom of a water catchment or have a watercourse running through their property
  • Stud breeders, as the impact of a diagnosis of OJD on their business will be much larger

The prevalence of OJD in WA continues to increase, particularly in the South West. The disease is less common in the Wheatbelt, but does occur.

There are documented cases in Western Australia of significant losses due to the disease, and clinical signs have been seen in animals as young as two years old.

OJD vaccine should be given before the lambs reach 16 weeks of age. Only one vaccination is given – there is no need for annual boosters.

More information on vaccination can be found at: www.agric.wa.gov.au/livestock-biosecurity/ovine-johnes-disease-vaccination

For more information, contact:

Carey Hobson, LBN Regional Officer WA (South), 0488 100 426 or [email protected] 

 

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