Scrapie has been present in Canada for almost 70 years. With the majority of countries around the world currently working to actively eradicate all transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, the continued presence of scrapie in Canada is preventing access to international markets including the United States. With your help, Canada can take action to eradicate scrapie.
The National Scrapie Surveillance Program:
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and several provincial agricultural ministries have launched a surveillance program to detect scrapie in the national sheep flock and goat herd. The goal is to identify every infected animal so that proper steps can be taken to completely eradicate the disease from our country.
The Producer’s Role
The surveillance program needs your on-farm mature deadstock. Eradication will only be accomplished if every source of the disease is found. Representation of the entire national sheep flock and goat herd needs to be tested. Do your part: submit your dead animals and encourage your neighbour to submit theirs.
Report all sheep and goat aged 12 months and older that die on your farm. As well, report mature animals exhibiting the following signs or symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Problems standing or walking
- Changes in behaviour
Compensation
Compensation is available for any live animals ordered destroyed by the CFIA.
Keeping sheep and goats healthy
Manage the risk of scrapie showing up on your farm by either closing your female flock and testing all mature dead animals or by breeding for genetic resistance to scrapie. General biosecurity practices associated with farm visitors and animal husbandry (needles, taggers etc.) are also recommended.
More information
For more information please contact the Scrapie Project Coordinator at:
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-534-1302,
Local 613–652–1824, Fax 613–652–1599
or call your local CFIA office (see the blue pages of the phone directory).
