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Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD)

Photo: A sheep showing signs of OJD
Photo: Ovine Johne's disease affected sheep

Ovine Johne's (pronounced 'yoh-nees') disease is an infectious fatal wasting disease of sheep. It is often abbreviated to OJD. OJD can have severe economic effects in sheep flocks if it is left uncontrolled. It is caused by a strain of the bacterium Mycobacterium paratuberculosis.

What is the ABC scheme?

What is the ABC Trading scheme?

The Assurance Based Credits (ABC) Trading Scheme forms the basis of the national ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) program. Every flock in Australia has an ABC score. This score can be used by producers wishing to sell or purchase sheep to indicate the risk of a flock being infected with OJD.

How do I know my score?

ABC scores range from 0-10. Points towards the ABC Score can be obtained from location of the flock, testing for OJD, Vaccination against OJD and low risk certification. The higher the score the lower the risk the sheep have OJD. AG1156 - Assurance Based Credits (ABC) Scheme and the Sheep Health Statement

What is an Sheep Health Statement (SHS)?

A SHS is a formal document that accompanies non-slaughter sheep when they  are sold. It does not replace a national vendor declaration (NVD) but should be  used in conjunction with a NVD. The SHS shows the ABC score of the sheep being  sold and is signed by the vendor. It may also contain information about the  footrot, lice and ovine brucellosis history of the flock. It is an offence to  make a false declaration on this statement.

Is it mandatory to complete an SHS?

It is not mandatory to complete a SHS when selling sheep within Victoria.  However, it is strongly recommended that you  request a SHS from the vendor prior to purchasing sheep.  It may also be mandatory to complete a SHS  prior to moving sheep interstate. 

Sheep Health Statement

Sheep Health Statement

New OJD Prevalence Areas (as of 1st January 2011)

Map showing Victorian Prevalence Areas as of 1st January 2011
Map showing Australian Prevalence Areas as of 1st January 2011
Map showing NSW Prevalence Areas as of 1st January 2011

How to obtain Gudair Vaccine

Any sheep producer may purchase Gudair vaccine  from approved retailers. This is a list  of authorised Gudair vaccine retailers within Victoria (as of August 2010).

Information Notes

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