Regulations

Because of industry concern about the prevalence of lice in South Australia, a Ministerial Committee on Sheep Lice was established in 1996.  The recommendations of this committee form the basis for Primary Industries and Resources South Australia's (PIRSA) current policy on the control of lice.

Producer bodies had expressed concern at the presence of lice infested sheep in markets and sheep owners who allow sheep lice to spread off their own farms to neighbouring flocks.

Consequently, the sheep industry is funding a regulatory program to help prevent the spread of sheep through markets and by straying sheep.  It is an offence to present lice affected sheep at a market and inspectors now inspect sheep in markets on a regular basis.

Where pens of lice affected sheep are detected, the owners of those sheep are issued with an expiation notice (or "on the spot" fine). The expiation fee is $315 plus a Criminal Injuries Compensation levy ($7). Under the Livestock Act, it is also possible to prosecute repeat offenders with fines of up to $5000.

Pens of lousy sheep are placarded but there is no restriction on the sale of the sheep. Prospective purchasers will, however, be aware of the presence of lice and be able to take the appropriate action when they take the sheep home. There is no guarantee that pens not placarded are free of lice.

Disregard for straying lousy sheep is also targeted. It is an offence to be the owner of stray lousy sheep. Where ownership of stray lousy sheep can be determined, an expiation notice will be issued ($315+$7 Victim of Crime Levy). For a report of straying lousy sheep to be investigated, the person reporting the offence will need to yard the sheep, confirm that they are lice infested, and hold them for the arrival of the inspector and the alleged owner of the sheep.