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Ovine Footrot Management Program Review Producer Survey
Footrot (virulent and benign) has been estimated to cost the Australian sheep industry $82.2 million per year from production losses and disease control costs.
In South Australia, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) receives annual funding of just over $900k through producer levies to carry out the program.
The program aims to reduce animal welfare issues and economic impacts of the spread of footrot and to assist producers to manage the disease.
The program differs to footrot programs in other states. It is largely unregulated in Victoria and Tasmania where primary responsibility for footrot control lies with individual sheep owners.
In Western Australia more stringent regulations for footrot surveillance, detection and diagnosis are in place.
In NSW the program has recently moved its focus towards a greater emphasis on education, producer empowerment and disease control, with regulation only applied to more severe presentations.
These differences have created issues in relation to cross-border movements, including more South Australian sheep being sold at interstate saleyards.
In response to various issues discussed during an industry workshop conducted in March 2023, Livestock SA has appointed Dr Ron Glanville, former Chief Veterinary Officer Queensland, in collaboration with Sapare Research Group to conduct an independent review of the SA footrot program.
This review will include gathering information through individual interviews with stakeholders, as well as this survey.
Key issues identified at the workshop for further consideration included, alternative management models, deregulation/zoning models, economic cost/benefit analysis of the program, education of producers, funding models.
All suggestions for enhancement of the existing program will be considered.