Restrictions around the management of Footrot will be eased in South Australia from January 1 following extensive consultation with the state’s sheep industry.

Footrot remains a notifiable disease under the South Australian Livestock Act 1997 but the legislation has been changed to make it easier for sheep with suspected or confirmed Footrot to be moved and traded.
Under the changes, all sheep flocks with suspected or confirmed Footrot can be moved or sold anywhere within the state, provided prior notification of their Footrot status is provided to the purchaser.
The Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange and the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards have been approved to sell sheep from properties known or suspected to have Footrot, provided they erect signage and stamp all National Sheep Health Declarations with a warning statement alerting purchasers to the potential presence of sheep infected with Footrot at the saleyard.
All sheep transported still need to meet ‘fit to load’ guidelines. The National Sheep Health Declaration must disclose their Footrot status and accompany all movements into South Australia and within and into the state.
The changes follow Livestock SA’s review of the Footrot Management Program, extensive consultation and deliberations by an industry-led steering committee.
The Footrot Management Program is funded by the Sheep Industry Fund, administered by Livestock SA and delivered on behalf of industry by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the management of Footrot is complex issue that requires an effective, fit-for-purpose control program to reduce the economic and animal welfare impacts across the South Australian sheep industry.

“We have been listening to the concerns raised by stakeholders that changes to the previous requirements were needed and that the management program should be a true partnership between industry and government,” she said.

Livestock SA chief executive Travis Tobin said Footrot is a complex issue, and across the state there are wide ranging views about how to best manage it.
“Following the independent review that included broad consultation and advice from an industry-led steering committee, Livestock SA worked effectively with the government to realise this change to reduce the economic and animal welfare impacts currently being experienced,” he said.
“Increased education will be an important part of helping producers implement and manage their on-farm biosecurity, particularly as we see increased marketing opportunities for sheep and start to reduce the stigma associated with Footrot.
“We thank everyone who has been involved in this process and look forward to the industry working together to drive improved disease management across the state.”