The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) has welcomed the announcement that the National Ovine Johne’s Disease (OJD) Management Plan 2013-18 will commence on 1 July 2013.
WAFarmers Wool Section President, Ed Rogister, said WAFarmers had been part of the very lengthy process which has resulted in the national management plan.
“The consultation with and between industry throughout the whole process has been very thorough and positive for the industry,” Mr Rogister said.
“There are a number of important changes that producers will need to become aware of their requirements and I urge all farmers in Western Australia to get up to speed on these changes sooner rather than later.
“The Sheep Health Statement (SHS) has been designed for adoption nation-wide and includes recognition of OJD vaccination and testing results.
“It features a series of ‘Yes / No’ questions to allow buyers to quickly make informed biosecurity decisions.
“The responsibility will be on producers to request a completed SHS when purchasing sheep. This has been a long standing policy of WAFarmers to ensure that buyers have as much information about their livestock that they are brining into their properties as possible,” Mr Rogister concluded.
Producers in Western Australia seeking more information on the National OJD Management Plan 2013-18 can contact State OJD Coordinator, Dr Anna Erickson, on (08) 9881 0211.
