PIRSA Animal Health is on the lookout for ‘wonky’ sheep, to help in the fight against livestock disease.

Upholding the State’s ‘clean and green’ livestock reputation is vital to maintain market access. Part of this is proving Australia's freedom from Mad Cow disease and scrapie in sheep, and the Australian sheep industry is applying to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for freedom of scrapie status.

PIRSA Animal Health is involved in running the national TSE (Mad Cow and scrapie) surveillance scheme, which investigates suspect livestock to ensure that they are free of disease.

More suitable sheep are needed for investigation, for the scheme to reach its target numbers by the end of 2006. Producers can contribute by notifying their private vet or local PIRSA Animal Health officer of any sheep with unusual signs, including "downer" sheep, and those with unusual gait or behavioural changes (in those older than 18 months).

Samples for the scheme are collected from these animals and sent to the lab. Producers will receive $27.50 per sheep for up to two animals involved in an investigation.

For further information, contact your local PIRSA Animal Health office or the SA TSE coordinator, Malcolm Anderson, on 0417 830 243.