Soften the Conditions Surrounding the Import of Ovis aries Genetic Material from the UK

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is currently undertaking a review for the import conditions for classical scrapie for sheep and goat reproductive material into Australia. This petition aims to gather and show support for the softening of the conditions surrounding the import of genetic material, namely Ovis Aries semen and embryos from the UK into Australia. We understand the risks that can be associated with importing gentetic material, and in particular understand the implications Scrapie may have on the Australian Sheep industry. We also understand this is manageable to a level that can keep Australia free from this disease. This would need support from various British Breed associations in the UK and Australia. We as farmers, stud producers, scientists and consumers believe that to continue to add to our genetic diversification within not only British Breed sheep in Australia we need to make the working conditions around the import of genetic material into Australia easier, and more cost effective. similar to the steps that NZ took recently. We need new genetics to remain competitive on the market not only in Australia but on the worked market. By signing this petition I show my support towards softening (smartly) the conditions around the import of genetic material from the UK