Legislation and Biosecurity
Below is a collection of resources put together by the BSAA & Committee about Legislation and Biosecurity relevant to Babydoll sheep. Consider becoming a member for more resources, advice and knowledge.
Property Identification Code (PIC)
A Property Identification Code (PIC) is an eight-character identifier issued by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or equivalent authority in each Australian state or territory to uniquely identify livestock-producing properties. Possession of a PIC is mandatory for the movement of livestock on and off properties and is fundamental to Australia’s food safety and traceability systems.
Management of PICs varies between states and territories. Some jurisdictions allow the consolidation of multiple PICs owned by the same entity into one, while others may issue multiple PICs for a single property if livestock are owned by different entities. It is essential to understand and comply with the specific requirements applicable in your state or territory.
For more information, click your state to go to their PIC related pages.
Diseases & Genetic Mutations
A highly infectious disease of sheep which causes infertility in rams and early embryonic death of lambs.
Ovine Brucellosis (OB) is a highly contagious disease affecting sheep, causing infertility in rams and early embryonic loss in ewes. Given the Babydoll sheep’s limited population and restricted gene pool, OB poses a significant threat to the breed’s viability. There is no cure for the disease.
Infected rams typically exhibit scrotal swelling and lumps and are diagnosed via blood tests, while infected ewes often show no clinical signs. Animals testing positive must be euthanised, and eradication from affected flocks can take several years. OB infection commonly reduces pregnancy rates by 30-40% during a standard six-week breeding period, a loss many breeders cannot sustain.
Small and newer Babydoll flocks are especially vulnerable due to the absence of historical fertility data, making detection and control of OB more challenging. The disease can easily spread between flocks, risking endemic infection throughout the breed.
The Australian Stud Sheep Breeders Association (ASSBA) mandates all members obtain OB accreditation within two years. Additionally, rams transferred between owners must come from Brucellosis Accredited flocks or be accompanied by a negative OB test certificate.
The Babydoll Sheep Association of Australia (BSAA) strongly encourages all breeders to seek OB accreditation promptly to protect their stock and the breed’s future. Accreditation ensures adherence to stringent health protocols and prevents the inadvertent spread of OB, which can result in costly legal consequences.
OB accreditation is managed by each state’s primary industry department. Detailed information and accreditation procedures are available on respective state websites. A comprehensive overview can be found on the Meat & Livestock Australia Website.
Gaucher disease is a genetic mutation found primarily in Southdown sheep, and since Babydoll sheep are a subtype of Southdowns, they may also carry this gene. Although the incidence of Gaucher disease is low and mostly restricted to purebred Southdowns, awareness is important for breeders to make informed decisions regarding testing.
Background:
Gaucher disease is a hereditary, autosomal recessive disorder, not an infectious disease, also observed in humans, dogs, and mice. Its prevalence in other sheep breeds is uncertain, except for Tunis sheep in the United States. The condition was identified in Southdowns in 2010, but its origin remains unknown. Since Southdowns form the genetic basis for several breeds, the disease could potentially be more widespread than currently recognized.
Impact:
Affected lambs exhibit severe symptoms including inability to stand or feed, leathery skin on the neck, persistent vocalisation, rigidity, and inability to hold their heads up. There is no treatment, and affected animals must be culled. Many veterinarians may be unfamiliar with the disease due to its rarity.
Inheritance:
Lambs must inherit two copies of the mutated gene to express the disease; those with one copy are carriers and asymptomatic but can transmit the gene to offspring. Animals without the gene are considered Gaucher free.
Testing:
A DNA test is available through Lincoln University’s Gene-Marker Laboratory in New Zealand. The process involves collecting a small blood sample, submitting it with an import permit, and receiving results electronically.
Recommendations for Breeders:
To maintain a Gaucher-free flock, breeders should:
- Test all breeding stock and cull carriers, or
- Use Gaucher-free rams and progressively test ewes and offspring, or
- Ensure any newly introduced animals are tested and free from the mutation.
For further information or assistance, contact BSAA.