Changes to Rules & Conditions – Scrapie Monitoring Scheme

Dear SMS member

You may have heard that changes are taking place with the Scrapie Monitoring Scheme as a result of amended EU regulations. I have summarised these – (see links below). We have updated the rules and conditions of the SMS scheme and you can see them at; www.sheepandgoathealth.co.uk

I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you that some  SMS flocks lost their valued status due to non-compliance with the rules. Common reasons for the loss are detailed below.

SMS – Common reasons for loss of status

1. Purchase of Ram from non-SMS flock. Only a ram with the ARR/ARR scrapie genotype is allowed to join a SMS flock from a non-SMS flock. Breeders are encouraged to genotype rams before sale as it is best for SMS members to buy a ram with the ARR/ARR genotype rather than taking a gamble on a purchase which turns out not to be ARR/ARR. If you have already used a ram in your flock that comes from a non-SMS flock and it does not have the ARR/ARR scrapie genotype it is too late.
    
2. Purchase of Females from non-SMS flocks. If you want to buy from non-SMS flocks make sure that purchases are of ARR/ARR genotype.
    
3. Purchase of in-lamb females at non-segregated sales. Very few sales (held from September 1^st to April 30^th) applied for segregation.  As a consequence any stock bought at these sales are classed as non-SMS, unless of ARR/ARR status. Flocks purchasing stock at these sales will lose SMS status. Flocks taking stock to these sales will lose their status if unsold stock are returned home. There are many sales of in-lamb animals in the late autumn period. Purchasing at these sales may jeopardise your flock status.

Please make sure you are not in any of the categories above.

Can I also remind you as an SMS member that ALL FALLEN STOCK should be submitted for testing.

Regards

Ian Pritchard

PSGHS Manager

SMS Changes – Important Information

SMS Rules and Conditions