The Charollais Breed has led the way in the selection of sheep with high resistance against scrapie. Results of the consequences programme are on the link below.
Charollais Resistant to Scrapie
National Scrapie Plan
LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON SCRAPIE STATUS
OF RAMS -
THEN LOG ON TO THE
NSP WEBSITE
Objectives of the Scheme
The objective of the
NSP is the reduction and ultimately the
eradication of scrapie from the national flock. Scientific advice
says
this will take 5 - 10 years, depending upon the success of the NSP.
Reasons for the NSP
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To benefit trade
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To reduce under reporting
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To avoid other strains of scrapie emerging that might
pose a risk to animal and human health -
To improve animal welfare
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On a precautionary basis to tackle the theoretical
possibility of BSE in sheep
The Government is very clear on it’s desire to eradicate TSEs from the national flock. They do not wish to be caught out in the same way as with BSE and therefore are planning towards a scrapie resistant national flock, in as short a time as possible. The National Scrapie Plan is the scheme by which they hope to achieve this, in a 5 year time span. This will be impossible for some breeds and DEFRA will be made aware of the practical implications upon some populations.
The Scheme So Far
November 2001 - First Charollais flocks have been visited and sampled.
Year 2002 nearly 9,000 Charollais have been sampled to date, with 38% ARR/ARR, 43% ARQ/ARR, 13% ARQ/ARQ, and only 6% in the least desirable categories. This means a total of 81% of the Charollais tested have been resistant to the scrapie virus.
By January 2003 over 274,000 sheep had been genotyped under the plan, including more than 10,000 Charollais animals. Encouragingly the results from the Charollais breed have been good. Over 81% of the animals tested are of the more resistant genotypes.
July 2003 the first R1 only sale of Charollais was held at Worcester Market on July 4th. The standard of sheep was outstanding and the highest average price ever of £1034.00 was achieved across all classes.
Spring 2004 - 27,000 Charollais have now been tested. 83% of the breed have genotypes Group R1 or R2. In those flocks that have been testing for a number of years the number of Resistant rams rises to over 91%.
July 2004 - the 2nd ram sale for all R1 Genotype rams was held in Worcester Market on Saturday 10th July.
June 2006 - the 4th ram and ewe sale for all R1 Genotype sheep will be held in Worcester Market on Saturday 8th July.
May 2007 - the scheme is currently under review. Meetings will be held around the country to discuss what the industry wishes to do and how the Government may help with cost sharing. We urge you to attend a meeting to see what the future will bring. Breeders will have their rams tested this year BUT NO FEMALES. Even if the number of rams to be tested is under 40, NSP will not be testing any ewe lambs. New flocks may still join the scheme.
January 2008 - no firm decision has been taken on the future of the scheme. It is however likely that current members will have their agreements extended until May 2008.
May 2008 - all existing members of the scheme have had their agreements extended and rams (no ewes) have been tested under the NSP scheme.
If you require further information on the scheme and /or application forms then ring :-
NSPAC Helpline
0845 601 4858