What's New?
If you have any questions, ideas or additions for the Scrapie program up to now or for the coming future please contact the Scrapie program co—ordinator. The Scrapie committee meets annually or upon any specific requests.
January 2006 Scrapie Canada Update
A Look Back on the Year that was for Scrapie Canada: Where are we now?
As the New Year is upon us many take time to reflect and look back on the year that was. And in regards to the year that was for Scrapie Canada, there is certainly a lot to look back and reflect on.
Since January 2005, a mere three hundred or so days ago, Scrapie Canada has officially launched two new national programs- the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program and the National Survey of Scrapie Genetics in Canadian Purebred Sheep. Although separate programs with differing objectives, both are working towards the maintenance and eradication of one of the most dangerous diseases impacting sheep and goat producers world wide.
As for an update on the two programs there is some good news and some bad. Let’s start with the bad because it’s always nice to finish off with a positive thought.
There has been a very low uptake on behalf of producers joining the National Survey project. Initially Scrapie Canada was accepting 36,000 samples into the database and to date there has only been 1,299 samples submitted. Needless to say, this is extremely lower than was expected and that puts the project in danger of losing government funding. In response to the low uptake, Scrapie Canada has decreased the number of samples being accepted to 31,000. We have also taken the time to inform producers about the project through ads and articles in various agricultural publications. Scrapie Canada is hoping that by promoting the many benefits of participating in the survey, we will get more farmers on the project, while it is still available.
What needs to be known at this point is basically, if we do not use it, we’re going to lose it. So, if you are a purebred sheep producers and you are planning on genotype testing for scrapie resistance, take advantage of the funding while it lasts.
Now for the good news. Participation numbers on the Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP) are somewhat better than the national survey. To date, there have been 11 sheep producers and 6 goat producers officially enrolled on the program. There are also a number of producers who are one step away from a status of official enrollment- wrapping up the last minute details of the application process. Since the program was opened up to a first come first serve basis in December 2005, Scrapie Canada has received numerous calls from producers who are right in the middle of the application process and will be sending their information in shortly.
What needs to be known for this program is that in total there is room for 60 sheep producers and 10 goat. As previously mentioned, the project is now on a first come, first serve basis and is open to any sheep or goat producer in Canada. Although there remains 43 spots- 5 for goats and 38 for sheep- there is no saying how fast they’re going to fill up, especially in light of the recent interest that farmers have been showing. So, as is the case for the national survey, if you are interested in joining the SFCP it would be a good idea to do it sooner rather than later.
As we are making our way- already- into the second month of the new year, make sure you take the time to find out what these programs have to offer to your flock or herd.
For more information please Scrapie Canada by calling 866-534-1302 or by e-mailing admin@scrapiecanada.ca
Scrapie Information & Facts
CFIA LOCATIONS
CFIA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0Y9
PHONE: (613) 225-2342 / 1-800-442-2342
Fax: (613) 228-6601
ATLANTIC HEADQUARTERS
1081 Main St, PO Box 6088
Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8R2
PHONE: (506) 851-7400
Fax: Fax: (506) 851-2689
ONTARIO HEADQUARTERS
174 Stone Rd W
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 4S9
PHONE: (519) 837-9400
Fax: (519) 837-9766
QUEBEC HEADQUARTERS
Room 746-C - 2001 University St,
Montreal, Quebec, H3A 3N2
PHONE: (514) 283-8888
Fax: (514) 283-3143
WESTERN HEADQUARTERS
Room 654 - 220 4th Ave SE
Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4X3
PHONE: (403) 292-4301
Fax: (403) 292-5707
