The sheep and goat health schemes board have met to review the operation of the maedi visna (MV) accreditation scheme throughout Great Britain. The following has been agreed:
• Although the level of disease within Great Britain is very low this is seen to be due to the success of the MV Accreditation Scheme that has operated for over twenty years.
• Judging from the position in other countries maedi visna poses a significant threat to intensively managed sheep production in this country. It is therefore considered essential to sustain efforts to maintain freedom of the disease in pedigree flocks.
• Of the 3000 flocks and herds in the MV & CAE accreditation schemes on average three to four flocks fail routine testing each year.
• From June 2008 flocks that have been accredited for more than three years, and that do not run an additional non-accredited flock on the same premises, routine testing can be carried out every three years.
• An additional measure of compulsory testing of all bought-in animals annually will be introduced. This will minimise the potential increased risk of MV spreading from flock to flock.
• It will be the responsibility of members to adhere to this rule, however it has been agreed with the major breed societies that they will assist by informing the operators of the scheme of all movements of registered sheep into MV accredited flocks. SAC will issue certificates annually, provided testing is up to date, a declaration on sheep numbers has been submitted to the SGHS office and membership fees are paid.
• For all flocks moving to a three year testing interval there will be cost reductions. There will be an immediate major saving for many flocks due a routine periodic test this year as it will be postponed until next year.
• The Sheep and Goat Health Scheme will be rebranded as Premium Sheep and Goat Health Scheme and launched at Scotsheep in June. The newly launched scheme will offer better value for money and allow clients to select from within Premium Health Schemes offered by SAC Veterinary Services.
• The SGHS advisory board representing the breed societies are endorsing the revised scheme.
o The veterinary authorities in Ireland will continue to recognise the scheme for export to Northern Ireland and Eire and the regulations in place will not alter as a result.
Jonathan Barber representing the National Sheep Association said "The NSA is confident that all the work done by breeders together with the SGHS has put our industry in a strong position with regard to the control of MV in the UK. We welcome the SGHS's offer to help breeders with the financial implications of testing in the future."
Robyn Hulme of the Suffolk Sheep Society looks upon the costs of MV membership as an insurance against risk. He sees any move away from the scheme as detrimental to the industry.
Debbie McGowan representing the Lleyn Sheep Society says ''We are delighted that SGHS have been able to offer three year testing as an option for Lleyn flocks. This will help reduce the financial burden of health scheme costs whilst retaining the veracity of high health status and disease prevention.''
Carol Barber for the Charollais Sheep Society said "Charollais breeders are keen to maintain the high health status of their flocks and are delighted that the SGHS has found a way in which to reduce their costs and at the same time retain the integrity of disease prevention. The society looks forward to a closer working relationship with the SGHS to assist them in this task."
Barti Synge Group Manager of SAC Veterinary Services is delighted to be able to offer cost reductions to the sheep industry who have taken severe financial knocks. We must contain maedi visna and CAE and adapt the schemes according to the risks. If the prevalence rises in future we may advise more frequent testing with increased costs. It is important to have a scheme that controls disease and gives buyers' confidence.
Ian Pritchard the newly appointed manager of the SAC's health schemes says "After a difficult year for the sheep industry SAC are pleased to be able to re-structure the service. I look forward to working with the SGHS advisory board and the sheep and goat industry in providing a first class service which can only be of benefit to the UK sheep and goat industry."
