Sheep flocks are predominantly located in the drier eastern half of the State with production focused on both meat (including sheep for live export) and wool.
The number of sheep and lambs in Tasmania decreased by 460,000 (12%) in the year ending 30 June 2000; this reduction mainly resulted from a continued period of drought and a general decrease in profitability as wool prices remained relatively low.
The preliminary Tasmanian estimate for 2000-01 shows an increase in sheep and lamb numbers to 3.5m.
In October 2001, for the first time the sheep wasting disease, paratuberculosis or Ovine Johnes Disease (OJD), was detected on the Tasmanian mainland. The Australian Government provided funding towards proposals to control and eradicate the disease.
SHEEP AND LAMBS, Tasmania
|
| At 31 March | '000 |
|
| 1996 | 3,862 |
| 1997 | 3,977 |
| 1998 | 3,869 |
| 1999 | 3,801 |
| 2000(a) | 3,341 |
(a) At 30 June.
Source: Agriculture, Australia (Cat. no. 7113.0). |
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