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.
November 2007 Scrapie Canada Update
Since 2005, Scrapie Canada has been working with industry and government representatives to reduce the prevalence of Scrapie in Canada. At this time, two national Scrapie programs were developed and implemented- designed to encourage individual producers to take steps to control Scrapie in their sheep flocks and goat herds. Given the recent focus on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in livestock industries and with Scrapie control programs in place in other countries, these projects represent an important step forward in maintaining and developing markets for Canadian sheep and lamb, as well as goats. This report focuses on the activities and accomplishments of the national Scrapie programs between September 1, 2006 and August 31, 2007, detailing the impact on industry, participants and stakeholders.
The National Survey of Scrapie Genetics in Canada Purebred Sheep
Also known as the National Genotyping Survey, this project allows for the genotype testing of 30,000 Canadian purebred sheep. Unique to any other testing project in the world, this project tests both rams and ewes at codons 136, 154 and 171. As of August 31, 2007 the National Genotyping Survey had collected 6,127 samples. Producer participation has been much lower than expected, and in light of this the project has been extended to March 31, 2007. The negative impact of BSE, and a lack of familiarity of the project may be two reasons for the slow uptake.
Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP)
The SFCP National Standards were developed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), in collaboration with the sheep industry, as the basis for Canada’s on-farm, voluntary Scrapie control program. It is intended to be a long-term, internationally recognized flock/herd Scrapie control program for the sheep and goat industries. Since January 2005, the program has been open to both purebred and commercial sheep producers from across Canada. There has been a noticeable increase in interest of the program since the importation of US breeding stock into Canada was permitted in April 2007. As of August 31, 2007, the SFCP had 45 enrolled producers- 10 goat and 35 sheep. The majority of enrolled producers are from Ontario (18), with Alberta having the second most producers (9), and Saskatchewan with the third highest level of enrollment (6).
Industry Impact
Scrapie programs are an important step forward in moving Canada towards a TSE-free industry. Through these initiatives, Canada is taking action towards eradicating the disease nationwide. The benefits of participating in the national Scrapie programs are felt by industry and producers. By genotype testing, Canadian producers can pro-actively work towards increasing the resistance of the Canadian flock to Scrapie. A genotype tested sheep can also add market value to breeding stock, with more and more producers inquiring about the DNA make up of purebred sheep. Participating in the SFCP encourages producers to continue to maintain organized flock management records, as well as continues a high level of surveillance. More importantly, any Canadian producer who currently wishes to import US breeding stock must be a participant on the SFCP. Both of these programs provides an opportunity decrease the negative impacts of Scrapie, which include financial loss, high-cost government compensation programs, and animal welfare concerns for producers forced to de-populate their flocks. For more information about Canada’s national Scrapie programs, please contact Scrapie Canada at 1-866-534-1302.
Both the US exporter and the Canadian importer must be enrolled on a national Scrapie program.
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
