ENDEMIC sheep diseases will be the focus of a series of workshops across Western Australia’s wheatbelt this month.

The workshops at Badgingarra, Boyup Brook, Tambellup and Wickepin are aimed at increasing farmers’ awareness of sheep health issues and providing disease prevention and identification information.

WAFarmers Livestock Council president John Wallace said the initiative would help producers to detect endemic livestock diseases earlier, thus reducing the potential for biosecurity issues in Western Australia.

“In the workshops, farmers will gain an understanding about a number of key sheep diseases which can cause considerable problems for businesses.

“Additionally, they will encourage sheep producers to avoid bringing diseases onto their properties by using good biosecurity practices, such as knowing the health status of the sheep before they are introduced to the flock by asking suppliers for a sheep health statement,” Mr Wallace said.

“After our first workshop in September last year, participants said the session was very informative and had highlighted the importance of biosecurity and the impacts of disease on the profitability of a farming business, so I would encourage all people within the industry to attend and develop their understanding of these issues.”

The workshops will include a practical demonstration on how diseases impact the production of an animal, and will highlight the subsidies available to help support disease investigations. Guest speakers will include Department of Agriculture and Food WA and Zoetis staff, private veterinarians and producers.

Sponsors for the workshops include the Sheep and Goat Industry Funding Scheme, Landmark, WoolProducers Australia, Primaries, Zoetis, West Midlands Group, Elders, Gudair, Stud Merino Breeders Association of Western Australia, and Allflex.

Workshop details

Badgingarra Research Centre | Wednesday, March 9, 9.30am – 3pm

Rylington Park, Boyup Brook | Tuesday, March 15, 9.30am – 3pm

Tambellup Sports Pavillion | Thursday, March 17, 9.30am – 3pm

Wickepin Community Centre | Tuesday, March 22, 9.30am – 3pm

Bookings essential. RSVP to [email protected] or call (08) 9486 2100.

Source: Department of Agriculture and Food WA.