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What is SheepMAP?

Note Number: AG1130
Published: September 2006
Updated: November 2009

 

SheepMAP is the Australian Johnes Disease Market Assurance Program for sheep.

SheepMAP is a voluntary, national program to identify, protect and promote flocks that have a low risk of being infected with ovine Johnes disease (OJD). The SheepMAP program is a key component in the control of OJD in Australia. This program was developed in response to calls from the Australian wool and sheep meat industries for an objective flock assurance system. Flocks that are infected or suspected to be infected are ineligible to enter SheepMAP.

SheepMAP

This program involves a SheepMAP approved veterinarian, of the producers choice, performing an initial assessment of the flock history and management. If the assessment indicates that participation in SheepMAP is possible, the veterinarian will then conduct a Sample Test on the flock. Provided this test is negative, and management strategies are in place to minimise the risk of infection, the flock can be assigned a Monitored Negative status.

Without vaccination against OJD

The initial status Victorian flocks gain is Monitored Negative 1 (MN1). This status is valid for two years, after which the flock can remain at MN1 by Maintenance Testing or can progress to Monitored Negative 2 (MN2) through another Sample Test. Similarly, in a further two years, the flock can either remain at MN2 by Maintenance Testing or progress to Monitored Negative 3 status (MN3), the highest achievable SheepMAP level.

An annual audit is also necessary for all levels of this program.

With vaccination against OJD

In order to both protect the flock and provide further assurance that it is not infected with OJD, SheepMAP flocks can also vaccinate using Gudair ä vaccine. Flocks that vaccinate in addition to complying with the SheepMAP requirements will be assigned MN1-V, MN2-V or MN3-V respectively.

MN1-V, MN2-V or MN3-V statuses may be maintained indefinitely by undertaking initial vaccination of the whole flock, with annual veterinary audits and annual vaccination of all lambs between 4-16 weeks of age. Progression between MN levels continues to require Sample Testing. Management requirements remain unaltered.

Why enter SheepMAP?

Local, interstate and international markets are demanding quality assurance for livestock and livestock products. Under the Assurance Based Credit (ABC) Scheme, credit points are awarded for testing and vaccination. SheepMAP flocks have a higher ABC score than Nil Assurance flocks, and can provide assurance they are lower risk of being infected with OJD. For example, a producer in a Medium Prevalence Area receives 2 ABC credits points for location, and by participating in the MAP program they would receive an extra 2-4 credits points, boosting their overall ABC score and increasing trading options.

How to enter SheepMAP?

The Animal Health Australia website provides concise instructions on how to enter the SheepMAP program and where to find your closest SheepMAP approved veterinarian. http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au

Further information

Further information about SheepMAP can be obtained from Animal Health staff at your nearest DPI office, your private veterinarian or from the Animal health Australia web site at http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au.

Acknowledgements

The previous version of this note was written by George Downing.

It was reviewed by Kate Ferrier, Animal Health Field Services. November 2009.