Maedi Visna Accreditation Scheme
The Charollais Society has been in consultation with the Sheep & Goat Health Scheme together with other prominent sheep breeds to negotiate a reduction in the cost of the Maedi Visna Accreditation Scheme for our breeders. We are pleased to report that the scheme will be cheaper from this year for all sizes of flocks. The basis of the reduction is a change to three year testing for existing flocks. This will not only cut down on the cost of laboratory charges and veterinary fees, but will also save your time. The S&GHS is confident that a movement to a three year regime will not dilute the efficiency of the scheme, which has been highly successful in reducing the incidence and risk of the disease in our flocks. As well as maintaining a healthy flock, the scheme is vital for the continuation of an export market.
S&GHS will be writing to all current members very soon to inform them of the revised scheme. If you were due for a routine test this year, this may not be required until 2009. There are a few items that require final agreement, especially with regard to the export of sheep to Northern Ireland, but hopefully the new scheme details will be issued very soon.
If your flock is not part of the scheme then you may like to consider joining.
Contact Sheep & Goat Health Scheme, tel : 01463 226995.
Discussions are also taking place to look at efficient ways to extend the scheme into other areas of benefit to the industry.