Aug 11
The newly published National Standards and Accredited Veterinarian’s Manual for Scrapie Flock Certification Accreditation have been released by the CFIA. New to both documents are some very helpful tools for producers.
The updated National Standards should be read by all producers and are available in section 7.9 Appendix 3 of the Accredited Veterinarian’s Manual at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/man/avmmva/avmmva_mod7_a3e.shtml
Those wishing to enrol in the Scrapie Flock Certification Program often have questions regarding enrolment requirements based on individual circumstances on farm. The following flow chart from Section 7.4 of the Accredited Veterinarian’s Manual is quite useful in interpreting entry level requirements:
Further to the varying entry requirements is a mandatory cleaning and disinfecting step, only for farms starting a new flock that wish to apply for advanced enrolment status, but who have (or uncertain if they have)a premise that has housed small ruminants within the past 10 years. The CFIA has established an approved cleaning and disinfecting protocol in section 7.4 of the Accredited Veterinarian’s Manual which needs to be done under the supervision of your accredited veterinarian where applicable. The approved cleaning and disinfecting protocol calls for sanitation of all interior and exterior structures that have contained small ruminants as well as birthing areas. Bedding, manure and degradable waste material from containment and birthing areas needs to be buried or composted for 6 months and disposed of in a location not accessible to small ruminants. Where birthing areas are located on soil, remove soil to 1-2 inches below disturbed surface and bury it or dispose of it in an area not accessible to sheep and goats. Solid surfaces (such as cement, metal, wood etc), need to be stripped of organic debris and sanitized in accordance with the sanitary precautions and proper use of disinfectants for scrapie protocol as described in section 7.9 Appendix 2 of the Accredited Veterinarian’s Manual.
For both safety and effectiveness, it is recommended that the chemical disinfection agents of sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide be made and used as per the instructions in section 7.9 Appendix 2 and section 7.4 respectively of the Accredited Veterinarian’s Manual, under the supervision of the accredited veterinarian.
“Note: Other traditional disinfectants such as VIRKON are NOT effective against prion agents. Disinfection of instruments must be done with either sodium hypochlorite or sodium hydroxide.” CFIA_ACIA-2603316-Accredited Vets Manual-7.9 Appendix 2, November 2010
Remember when dealing with the collection of brain samples to use appropriate precautionary measures.
“Scrapie is not considered to be a human pathogen; however, normal sanitary precautions against a possible range of pathogens should be taken. Wear protective clothing, gloves and face protection when collecting brain specimens. Always avoid direct contact with brain tissues. Personnel at tissue harvesting sites should take precautions to avoid ingestion of the agent.” CFIA_ACIA-2603316-Accredited Vets Manual-7.9 Appendix 2, November 2010
For both safety and effectiveness, it is recommended that the chemical disinfection agents of sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide be made and used as per the instructions in section 7.9 Appendix 2 and section 7.4 respectively of the Accredited Veterinarian’s Manual, under the supervision of the accredited veterinarian.
Section 7.9 Appendix 1E: List of Laboratories provides a list of laboratories conducting various Scrapie-related testing and can be found at: www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/man/avmmva/avmmva_mod7_a1e.shtml#e
The list of labs performing various Scrapie-related testing sees some address and contact information changes in CFIA approved labs performing BioRad ELISA testing on obex (brain) samples, and also the addition of information on the CFIA-approved lab that is available for third eyelid and RAMALT testing for this program. Please check the above link for the updated lab information.
As always, we remain available to help you with all of your inquiries regarding the Scrapie Flock Certification Program and can be reached by any of the following means:
