Western Australian sheep producers are reminded to consider vaccination of lambs against ovine Johne’s disease (OJD).

State Johne’s disease co-ordinator Anna Erickson, of the Department of Agriculture and Food, said the prevalence of ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) in WA continued to increase.

“Sheep producers need to consider whether vaccination for OJD of this year’s lambs is appropriate for their business,” Dr Erickson said.

“For lambs to qualify as approved vaccinates, they must be given the injection before 16 weeks of age, so farmers need to make the decision now.

“Vaccination with a single dose of 1ml of vaccine provides lifelong protection.”

Approved vaccinates qualify for additional Assurance Based Credit (ABC) points on the National Sheep Health Statement. This reflects the fact that they are less risk of carrying OJD, giving additional assurance to buyers.

Approved vaccinates must have a ‘V’ in a circle on their NLIS approved tag.

“If you decide to vaccinate and have already purchased tags, some companies will take the tags back and put the required V on them,” Dr Erickson said.

“Otherwise, an additional ear tag can be used which should be a different colour to the year colour tags. Brown is the most suitable colour.”