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Ovine Johnes Disease Guidelines for Shows and Sales

Note Number: AG1123
Published: September 2006
Updated: January 2010

 

It is possible to minimise the risk of sheep becoming infected with ovine Johnes disease (OJD) at shows and sales by following some simple guidelines.

 These guidelines are based on the following important principles of transmission of OJD:

  • Sheep become infected by consuming feed or water contaminated with OJD bacteria shed in the manure of infected sheep.
  • Until the condition is well advanced, OJD may be difficult to detect visually. An infected sheep may appear healthy but still be actively shedding bacteria.
  • Sheep of all ages are susceptible to infection, but younger sheep are believed to be more susceptible.
  • The bacteria that cause OJD can survive in the environment for a long time.

Minimise the risk of spread of OJD at shows

The following controls will minimise the risk of spreading OJD:

  1. Entrants may choose to vaccinate their sheep against OJD to provide further protection to their flock. (Refer to Agriculture Note: Vaccinating sheep against ovine Johnes disease).
  2. When sheep enter a show or sale, the area should be free of manure. These areas should be cleaned out completely as soon as possible after each show or sale. Surfaces that can be completely cleaned and allowed to dry are preferable to dirt floors, which may harbour OJD bacteria.
  3. Sheep should not be allowed to graze while at the show or sale. Feed and water should be elevated above ground level.
  4. Shows and sales should have health requirements for entrants. All entrants should declare the OJD Assurance Based Credit (ABC) Score of their sheep, using the Sheep Health Statement (SHS). (Refer to Agriculture Note: Assurance Based Credits (ABC) Scheme and the Sheep Health Statement).
  5. Pens should be arranged so sheep from different properties remain separated. Sheep should also be penned according to their ABC Score.
  6. Drainage should be in place to prevent manure moving through pens. If on a slope, higher ABC Score sheep (e.g. from SheepMAP flocks) should be placed higher.
  7. All common areas, such as the show ring, washing facilities and laneways, should have manure promptly removed. Staff and participants should be advised to keep clothing and footwear free of manure.
  8. Isolation pens should be available for any sheep showing signs of illness.
  9. If SheepMAP flocks are present, SheepMAP rules must be met to ensure their status is not jeopardised. A SheepMAP accredited vet must conduct a venue audit prior to the event and issue a certificate of compliance.

Further information

Further information about OJD can be obtained from animal health staff at your nearest DPI office or on the DPI web site: http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/farming/OJD

Acknowledgements

The previous version of this note was revised by Leanna Dries and was published in September 2006.
Reviewed by Rachael Holmes, Biosecurity Victoria. January 2010.

ISSN 1329-8062

Published and Authorised by:
Department of Primary Industries
1 Spring Street
Melbourne, Victoria

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. 

The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication