In Australia studies have shown that:

• OJD infection can result in substantial death rates and economic losses on sheep properties. Subclinical effects from OJD include reduced body weight and low wool production.
• Eradication programmes have a low likelihood of success; farmers should seek to control rather than eliminate the disease.
• Grazing management can be used to reduce infection rates and deaths from OJD.
• Prolonged exposure to contaminated pastures appears to be the major leading factor for high infection rates in flocks.
• Hoggets and ewes are susceptible to infection but less likely to develop clinical disease compared to lambs.
• Lambs are susceptible to OJD both before and after weaning. The highest level of infection is seen when lambs are born to an infected ewe flock, with infection being transmitted both from the pasture and the OJD infected ewes.
• Vaccination of lambs against OJD can reduce death rates by up to 90%1.
• Nutritional stress and high stocking rates should be avoided.

Additional information is available from the Meat and Livestock Australia and Animal Health Australia web sites regarding practical advice for the control and management of OJD.