OJD is more common in the south eastern parts of Australia, where the sheep population is greatest. However, in some parts of Australia the disease is rare or unknown.
Because of the uneven distribution of the disease within Australia, the management and control of OJD in Australia is based on assessing animal health risk and applying on-farm biosecurity measures, supported by vaccination, testing and grazing management practices aimed at creating pastures with low levels of bacterial contamination.
The OJD National Management Plan 2013-18 assists producers and industry to minimise the spread of the disease. It provides a national policy framework for State Governments to implement OJD management policies, and does not impede the trade of sheep.