WAFarmers said its Wool and Meat sections have been lobbying both of the national bodies and made a number of submissions throughout the consultative process.

“It was important to WAFarmers’ members that a national program continues to ensure the spread of the disease is minimised,” WAFarmers Acting Wool Section President Ed Rogister said.

“WAFarmers successfully lobbied for certain provisions to be included in the program, ensuring that sheep producers in Western Australia have the best possible outcomes in detection and control of OJD,” Mr Rogister said.

“WAFarmers supported the move from existing High, Medium and Low Prevalence Areas to Control and Protected Areas for the disease.

“It is very pleasing to see that abattoir surveillance will continue and in the case of Western Australia, it will be important that this takes place at its maximum capacity.

Mr Rogister also welcomed the fact that the Sheep Health Statements and Assurance Based Credit scheme will be reviewed. WAFarmers believes that Sheep Health Statements should be made mandatory.

The national program will be run over five years, with a transition phase beginning 1July 2012, and full implementation to begin on 1 January 2013.

Mr Rogister said once the details of the national plan are finalised, decisions surrounding implementation of the plan will be made at a state level.