Ovine Johne's Disease Management Program on track

27/2/06
An independent review of Western Australia's Ovine Johne's Disease Management Program has found it to be consistent with the principles of the national approach to the disease, Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance said today.
The review was conducted by Dr David Kennedy, of AusVet Animal Health Services Pty Ltd, following a request to the Minister by WAFarmers in February 2005.
WAFarmers was concerned that the current WA Program might lead to the termination of national funding to this State for abattoir surveillance and the closure of trade between WA and other Australian States.
"The review found that WAFarmers' concerns were unlikely to be realised," Mr Chance said.
"Animal Health Australia (AHA), which manages the national OJD Program, has advised that all States have implemented programs consistent with the national approach.
"AHA has also signed a letter of agreement to provide WA with the national share of funding for abattoir surveillance carried out under the WA OJD Program.
"Chief veterinary officers in other States have advised that their borders will not be closed to WA sheep."
The report recommends that the WA OJD Advisory Committee carry out a review of three operational matters relating to the use of sheep health statements for sheep movements in WA and the conditions for sheep imports to WA.
The Minister will forward the report to the committee for its consideration and provision of advice to himself and the Department of Agriculture.
"The State Government is protecting and enhancing WA's unique environment," Mr Chance said.
Minister's office: 9213 6700