Participation in the Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP) is optional. The program is designed to give producers a means of detecting and controlling scrapie within their flock/herd, resulting in recognition that the risk of their animals being infected with scrapie diminishes to negligible with progressive participation in the program. A sheep or goat producer can join the SFCP provided that the producer agrees to adhere to the program rules. The program certifies flocks/herds with respect to classical scrapie only, and does not cover “atypical” scrapie which is clinically, pathologically, biochemically and epidemiologically unrelated to classical scrapie. Atypical scrapie may, in fact, be a non-contagious, spontaneous degenerative condition of older sheep. As such, throughout this document, when the term “scrapie” is used, it refers to classical scrapie only.
Since there is no test to rule-out the disease in the individual live animal, “scrapie-negligible-risk” status is based on the results of surveillance testing carried out on deadstock, screening the flock/herd for presence of disease, removing genetically susceptible animals, restricting animals entering the flock/herd, and the absence of clinical signs.
There are three separate paths that can be followed for a flock/herd to achieve certified status. Pathway 1 involves limiting acquisitions to animals from similar or higher status flocks/herds and ongoing surveillance through the submission of deadstock for scrapie testing. The program includes six levels, from the entry level (level E) to the highest level (certified). A minimum of five years (one year each at level E, D, C, B, A) is necessary to reach the certified level on the program. Pathway 1 is the only pathway of the 3 available pathways that is consistent with OIE guidelines. To qualify as a scrapie-free establishment OIE guidelines must be complied with for at least 7 years. This is not to be confused with Canada's definition of negligible risk. Flocks /herds on the SFCP are considered to have negligible risk for classical scrapie after reaching Certified Level which may be reached after 5 years on the program.
Pathway 2 involves genotype screening sheep to identify adults that possess the genotype susceptible to scrapie (goats are not genotyped), and then screening these animals by means of the third eyelid test or recto-anal mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (RAMALT) biopsy test. Negative results give a reasonable level of assurance that the disease is not present in the flock/herd and the flock/herd may apply to enter at level B. Ongoing surveillance of deadstock continues to monitor for the presence of the disease.
Pathway 3 involves genotype screening and elimination of genetically susceptible sheep from the breeding flock. The flock may then apply to enter at level A. Ongoing surveillance of deadstock continues to monitor for the presence of the disease.
The SFCP is carried out in co-operation with producers, accredited veterinarians, national stakeholder organizations, provincial governments, approved laboratories and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The roles assumed by each of these organizations may vary in different regions of Canada.
This role and the associated responsibilities will be assumed by the CFIA in all situations. The CFIA is responsible for the development, using a consultative process, of national (minimum) standards for a scrapie flock certification program. Modifications and updates to these standards will be undertaken as required. The CFIA is responsible for providing the current national standards to the organizations responsible for regional administration. (See point 1.2 below.)
Where the regional administration is assumed by organizations other than the CFIA, it is the CFIA’s responsibility to review any scrapie flock certification program proposed for the specific region of Canada and determine equivalency to the published national scrapie flock certification program standards. International negotiation for recognition of the program and endorsement of export certification by the CFIA will only be done for those scrapie flock certification programs judged by the CFIA to meet the national standards.
The CFIA is responsible for conducting audits of program design and implementation to verify that the scrapie flock certification program in a particular region of Canada meets the national standards.
The CFIA is responsible for the design and implementation of a quality assurance program for non-CFIA laboratories performing transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) testing, and laboratories providing genotyping for scrapie susceptibility. All confirmatory testing on suspect or positive scrapie tissue samples will be performed by a CFIA laboratory. In the case of a confirmed positive animal, the CFIA will implement an official disease control program.
Discrepancies between genotyping results from two laboratories will be subject to final genotype testing by a CFIA laboratory.The CFIA is responsible for ensuring a publicly accessible report (e.g. published on the website) of all enrolled flocks and herds and their status is maintained. This report will be updated on a quarterly basis.
This role and the associated responsibilities may be assumed by a national or provincial industry group, the provincial government or the CFIA Program Network. The regional administrator is responsible for overseeing enrolment and membership in the scrapie flock certification program for a particular region of Canada, including the following:
The role of assessor of flock/herd status may be assumed by a national or provincial industry group, the provincial government or the CFIA district office. The status assessor is responsible for the following:
Program delivery is carried out by a veterinarian accredited by the CFIA. A CFIA veterinarian or a veterinarian who is an employee of a provincial department that is the status assessor or regional administrator may also carry out program delivery, and can be substituted anywhere the services of an accredited veterinarian is required in the standards. The inventory portion of the initial or annual report may be conducted by an accredited veterinarian, an animal health technician supervised by the accredited veterinarian, a CFIA veterinarian, or staff of a provincial department or agency that is the status assessor or regional administrator.
Veterinary practitioners are authorized (accredited) by the CFIA or the appropriate provincial government to perform inspections, to take samples for diagnostic or genotyping purposes and to check records.
To obtain accreditation, a veterinarian must successfully complete the training indicated in the Accredited Veterinarian’s Manual or its provincial equivalent.
The accredited veterinarian must sign the application form completed by the owner.
If the owner decides to stop doing business with the accredited veterinarian who signed the original application form, the new accredited veterinarian must be asked to sign a copy of the form, or – if the situation has changed – a new application form.
In rare instances where a flock or herd has been subject to CFIA disease control actions as a result of being declared positive for scrapie, a CFIA veterinarian may act as the program delivery person for the SFCP during the mandatory follow-up period for deadstock surveillance, for a period of five years, regardless of pathway joined.
Program delivery personnel are responsible for the following:
Laboratory approval is accompanied by training and the implementation of a quality assurance program established by the CFIA. A member of the laboratory staff must have taken CFIA training in order to be able to supervise scrapie tests and ensure that the quality assurance program is followed. Laboratories providing diagnostic testing services for the SFCP are responsible for the following:
In this program, an owner is a person who owns the premises and the animals on the premises. A producer is a person who has responsibility for the care and handling of all animals on a premises; this person may or may not be the owner.
The owner of a flock/herd wishing to enrol in the SFCP is responsible for the following:
The flock owner contacts the local CFIA district veterinarian to determine the organizations responsible for the SFCP in the region in which the flock/herd is located. The owner contacts the SFCP regional administrator and requests an application package. The owner may only join one pathway to certification at a time. Specifically, any flock/herd and all the individual animals within the flock/herd can only be registered in one pathway to certification at a time. An application package is completed and submitted to the organization responsible for status assessment. The applicant must indicate which Program Specific Pathway to Certification will be pursued. The application must be accompanied by the following:
An owner may apply to have the certification status of the flock/herd upgraded if the following conditions are met:
If the owner of a registered flock/herd contravenes the program rules, the organization responsible for status assessment will temporarily suspend the certification status of the flock/herd, and after reviewing the situation, may reinstate at the same level, downgrade, or revoke the status of the flock/herd and remove it from the program. An owner whose flock/herd is under review for possible removal from the program will be given the opportunity to submit any relevant information to the status assessor, provided that this is done no later than 30 days after suspension. Any owner who fails to submit an inspection report within the month following the end of the anniversary quarter will have their flock/herd automatically suspended. The status assessor will notify the owner and the accredited veterinarian in writing of the reasons for the decision and give the owner the opportunity to appeal within the following 60 days. The notice will include the name and address of the responsible person within the appeal committee as established by the status assessor. An owner whose flock/herd has been removed from the program due to contravention of program rules may submit a new application after meeting the conditions stipulated in the program. In such a case, the owner must submit satisfactory proof to the status assessor that steps have been taken to ensure that the flock/herd will meet the program requirements in the future. In the case of a flock/herd that is reinstated in the program, the reinstatement level will depend on the reasons for suspension. The flock/herd will not be automatically reinstated at its previous level. In cases where the flock/herd was removed for reasons of information falsification, failure to report to a veterinary inspector that an animal might have scrapie, or any other action that might expose other animals to scrapie, an owner may lose the privilege of registering in the program. If a participating flock/herd is found to be either infected with, or a source of scrapie, its certification status will be immediately suspended. The flock/herd will be subject to the scrapie eradication program governed by the Health of Animals Act and the Health of Animals Regulations. Following completion of the scrapie eradication program procedures, the flock/herd may be reinstated in the SFCP at the appropriate pathway and level. A producer may appeal a decision regarding advancement or downgrading in the event of an incomplete or unsatisfactory application for advancement. A producer may also appeal a temporary suspension or a revocation of registration, but not both.
The results of all reports, including information on registrations, tests, suspensions, revocations, and changes in status, are distributed to the owner, the accredited veterinarian and the CFIA district veterinarian. The regional administrator will maintain a list of all flocks and herds enrolled in the program, along with the pathway and their current level, on the Scrapie Canada website. Flock/herds for which a report is not submitted to the status assessor within the prescribed time will be identified on the website as being suspended. The quarterly report published by the CFIA will be produced and automatically distributed to all provinces, and/or published on the website. It will list all registered and certified flocks and herds, along with their pathway and certification levels. Records must be kept of feed given to animals, according to the Health of Animals Act and the Health of Animals Regulations.
The SFCP will be reviewed on an annual basis and/or as scientific information becomes available and changes are required.
The certification program must be open to any owner of a premises on which sheep or goats are kept, provided that the owner and the premises meet the program requirements and the owner of the premises has not had the right to participate in the SFCP removed (revoked).
All sheep and goats on a premises must be included in the flock/herd enrolled in the certification program, ownership notwithstanding.
Multiple premises must be listed under the same certification contract if the premises belong to the same owner and are located contiguous to each other. Multiple premises that are non-contiguous to each other still need to be included under the same certification contract if the small ruminants on the premises meet the definition of established herd. Multiple non-contiguous premises may be permitted to be enrolled under different certification contracts (i.e. different flocks/herds with separate statuses) if they are not considered an established herd (see definition), including no exchange of animals, and no direct or indirect (shared use of pasture, facilities, equipment) contact of animals.
The flock/herd owner must arrange for the services of an accredited veterinarian (or equivalent) to deliver the SFCP. The accredited veterinarian’s acceptance of their role in implementation of the SFCP within the identified flock/herd is reflected by their signature on the application form.
The owner of a flock/herd must report to their accredited veterinarian any illness in a sheep or goat over 12 months of age lasting longer than two weeks, except a physical injury. The accredited veterinarian will be responsible for monitoring the outcome of the case and for reporting the case to the CFIA if scrapie is a differential diagnosis. If CFIA determines the animal may be a scrapie suspect, then CFIA’s scrapie eradication program procedures must be followed. If the flock/herd is found to be infected with scrapie or a source of scrapie, its certification status will be immediately suspended. The flock/herd will be subject to the CFIA’s scrapie eradication program governed by the Health of Animals Act and the Health of Animals Regulations.
All animals aged 12 months or more must be identified with two unique identification devices.
Animals less than 12 months of age must be identified in a manner that enables the owner to track these animals in the flock/herd inventory. All animals aged less than 12 months must be appropriately identified (as required by regulation) when a change in ownership occurs or when the animals are moved outside their usual location (e.g. exhibition, insemination centre, sales barn or auction
The owner must keep detailed flock/herd records of every sheep or goat that is born on or enters the premises, no matter who the owner is or who is responsible for the sheep or goat. The records must be kept for a period of five years after the animal has left the flock/herd or has died. They must be made available to the program delivery person or the CFIA inspector at any reasonable time and must be presented at the time of each annual inventory. For all animals in the flock/herd, the basic minimum data that must be maintained in records and submitted as part of the annual report includes the following:
Sheep or goat milk, colostrum or their derived products destined for use in sheep or goats may only be sourced from sheep or goats in the same flock/herd or from a flock/herd on the SFCP of greater or equal status as the recipient flock. Sheep or goat milk, colostrum or their derived products from a lower status flock/herd or a flock/herd not enrolled in the program will result in downgrading in status of the recipient flock /herd. Sheep and goat milk and colostrum or their derived products from a scrapie – positive animal, a scrapie suspect animal or a genetically susceptible exposed animal (136AA 171QQ, 136AV 171QQ, 136VV 171QQ, 136AV 171QR) may not be used. Bovine milk and colostrum and their derived products may be used. Appropriate biosecurity standards should be applied when sourcing milk and colostrum from any source including bovine.
Inventories (initial and annual) will be conducted by the accredited veterinarian or an appropriate third party supervised by the accredited veterinarian. The inventory will identify all sheep and goats on the premises. During the inventory inspection, all animals over 12 months of age in the flock/herd must be identified individually (by tag) and the veterinarian must check for any clinical symptoms of scrapie. For extremely large flocks/herds using electronic inventories, all animals over 12 months of age must be identified individually and their identifiers must be physically verified over the course of the year. However, only a statistically significant random sampling must have their identifiers physically verified during the annual inventory inspection. Sampling tables are available upon request. If a flock/herd inspection is performed by a CFIA veterinary inspector for the purposes of the scrapie disease control program, this may replace part or all of the annual inspection by the accredited veterinarian.
The annual report lists the following:
If no suitable deadstock samples have been submitted for testing for a period of time equal to or exceeding 12 months, at least one animal 18 months of age or older, which has resided in the flock/herd for no less than 18 months, is to be humanely destroyed (in any manner: slaughter, euthanasia) and a sample submitted for testing. If humanely destroying an animal for deadstock testing will have a significant impact on the flock or herd due to its small size, a producer enrolled on pathway 1 may be able to advance using the alternative live animal sampling protocol detailed in 4.5. Alternatively if no suitable samples have been submitted for testing for a period of time equal to or exceeding 12 months, an enrolled producer may be permitted to remain on the program without advancing to the next level for one additional year (allowing time to raise an animal for slaughter and testing). For certified producers, they would incur a one year status penalty dropping them from certified to Level A.
The head of the animal may be submitted directly to an approved provincial laboratory by the producer, or the accredited veterinarian may collect brain samples for submission to either an approved provincial laboratory or to a CFIA district office to be sent to a CFIA laboratory (as part of the national scrapie surveillance program). The brain samples may be collected by an animal health technician or other veterinarian under the supervision of the accredited veterinarian however, the responsibility of the sample collection and submission remains with the accredited veterinarian. In all cases, the head (or the sample) should be chilled or frozen immediately. The owner must contact the laboratory or the accredited veterinarian must contact the CFIA district office in advance before submitting a head. The head must bear animal identification.
If moribund animals are humanely destroyed on farm by a gun shot to the head, the recipient lab must sample and test both the brain and one lymph node from the head (mandibular, retropharyngeal or third eyelid) for scrapie.
If the dead animal is not found immediately, or the accredited veterinarian and the laboratory are not available within 36 hours of death, the head of the animal must be frozen by the owner and submitted as a frozen specimen. Freezing enables the scrapie diagnostic test to be applied to the tissues which otherwise would no longer be suitable for testing.
Animals older than 12 months which are submitted for routine post-mortem may be considered as dead submissions if tested for scrapie.
Specimens must meet the requirements specified in the diagnostic protocol approved by the CFIA, which guarantees the reliability and accuracy of the results. If an unsuitable specimen is received, the receiving laboratory is to notify the status assessor and accredited veterinarian responsible for the flock/herd. A follow-up of the details of the individual situation will be undertaken with the responsible accredited veterinarian or status assessor. If negligence on the part of the producer is identified as the cause, or this occurrence is repeated, then the program’s requirements are not considered to have been met and the flock/herd will be suspended.
It is not necessary to submit for testing more than five adult animals from a group of animals that die from a common cause, as determined by a veterinarian or veterinary pathologist, within the time frame (not to exceed four weeks) of the same epidemiologically linked episode.
The status assessor should consider the following as automatic exemptions from the requirement to submit, unless the status assessor suspects that the conditions set out were not met or that the exemption is being abused to the detriment of the flock certification program.
Samples (e.g. blood samples) required for genotyping may be taken by a veterinarian accredited to deliver the SFCP or a third party under the supervision of a veterinarian accredited to deliver the SFCP (e.g. a veterinary student, a technician). Approved identifiers are required on sheep being genotyped and the official identification number (15 digits) included with the sample submission.
The genotype of 136AA 171RR breeding rams must be determined twice: by using a combination of predictive parentage and testing by a laboratory approved by the CFIA, or a combination of testing at any laboratory and at a laboratory approved by the CFIA. Genotype results with only codon 171 for those animals determined to be 171RR are considered acceptable. This is due to the knowledge that R cannot be found at site 171 in combination with V at site 136 (V at site 136 is linked with Q at site 171). Accordance between the results of the two separate determinations of genotype is required. In cases of discordance, a separate sample will be taken from the animal and submitted to the CFIA lab for determination of the genotype. Breeding ewes that require genotyping may have their genotype determined through the use of predictive parentage or laboratory analysis. Samples for genotyping of female sheep may be submitted to any CFIA-approved laboratory. Genotyping two different tissues (blood, hair follicle or buccal swab) should be considered especially for confirming genotype in 136AA 171QR animals due to the phenomenon of blood chimerism. There are limitations of the standard blood sample in this rare situation of a chimeric animal.
Information sharing requires all flock/herd information, including inventories, test results, documents related to purchases and sales of animals or embryos, deaths, to be available to the owner, the CFIA, the status assessor, the regional administrator and the accredited veterinarian. The owner must also agree to allow publication of the status of the flock/herd under the program.
The program includes six levels, from the entry level (level E) to the highest level (certified). A minimum of five years (one year each at level E, D, C, B, A) is necessary for an enrolled flock/herd to reach the certified level in pathway 1. Once a flock/herd has reached the certified level, it maintains this level provided that the applicable requirements continue to be met.
The status category is effective from the date when the flock/herd is accepted within the program, and the anniversary quarter for subsequent years is the quarter in which the acceptance date falls (Jan. 1-March 31; April 1-June 30; July 1-Sept. 30; Oct. 1-Dec. 31).
A brain sample from all sheep or goats over 12 months of age that die or are humanely destroyed on the farm (deadstock) must be submitted for scrapie testing by a CFIA-approved laboratory.
One-hundred per cent of animals older than 12 months that die or are humanely destroyed on the farm are to be submitted for scrapie testing. Animals that are unavailable for testing beyond the automatic exemptions detailed in these standards will be considered as per policy detailed by the status assessor. A program participant who does not agree with the decision of the status assessor may appeal the decision.
If no suitable samples have been submitted for testing for a period of time equal to or exceeding 12 months, at least one animal 18 months of age or older, which has resided in the flock/herd for no less than 18 months, is to be humanely destroyed (in any manner: slaughter, euthanasia) and a sample submitted for testing. If the flock is genotyped, then select a genetically susceptible animal to be humanely destroyed for testing. If humanely destroying an animal for deadstock testing will have a significant impact on the flock or herd due to its small size, a producer enrolled on pathway 1 may be able to advance using the alternative live animal sampling protocol detailed below. Alternatively if no suitable samples have been submitted for testing for a period of time equal to or exceeding 12 months, an enrolled producer may be permitted to remain on the program without advancing to the next level for one additional year (allowing time to raise an animal for slaughter and testing). For certified producers, they would incur a one year status penalty dropping them from certified to Level A.
This protocol will be accessible when a process for submission, testing and payment in an approved laboratory is available. To be eligible for advancement live animal sampling must include the following:
Introduction of female animals or embryos from the following sources, with a supporting zoosanitary health certificate, will have no impact on the certification level:
A) Introduction of males from flocks/herds from the following sources, with supporting documentation, will have no impact on the certification level and these males will acquire the status of the flock/herd:
B) Introduction of males from any flocks/herds and kept in the following manner will have no impact on the certification level:
The flock/herd status certificate accompanying the purchase of the animals or embryos will be the supporting document required to attest to the certification level of the flock/herd of origin.
Introduction of one or more animals or embryos obtained from flocks/herds registered in the SFCP at the same certification level but registered in a later anniversary quarter will result in the recipient’s anniversary quarter being moved to that of the flock/herd of origin. If one or more animals or embryos from a non-participating flock/herd are introduced, the enrolled producer’s anniversary quarter will change to the quarter in which the new animal(s) or embryo(s) were introduced, in addition to the penalty to downgrade to or remain at level E. Anniversary quarter will not be affected for flocks where these embryos or males have been introduced and have met the genotype requirement as set out in 4.6 or 4.7. Anniversary quarter will not be affected for flocks or herds where males have been introduced and met the requirements to be maintained separately as set out in 4.7.
If animals or embryos from flocks/herds of a lower certification level are introduced, the status of the recipient flock/herd will be downgraded to that of the flock/herd of origin of the lowest category. If animals or embryos from a non-participating flock/herd are introduced, the status of the recipient flock/herd will be reduced to level E. Anniversary quarter will not be affected for flocks where these embryos or males have been introduced and have met the genotype requirement as set out in 4.6 and 4.7. Anniversary quarter will not be affected for flocks or herds where these males have been introduced and met the requirements to be maintained separately as set out in 4.7.
With the exception of limited contacts (see definitions), commingling of animals from non-participating flock/herds or a flock/herd of a lower status will result in downgrading of the certification level to that of the flock/herd of origin of the lowest category (level E if animals are commingled with animals from a non-participating flock/herd).
Semen may be sourced from males in non-participating flocks/herds or flocks/herds of any certification level, with no impact on the certification level of the recipient flock/herd, provided that, on the date of insemination, the semen donor is not affected by scrapie (positive animal) or suspected of being affected by scrapie or from a scrapie exposed susceptible animal. The semen must meet the requirements of the national artificial insemination program.
The producer must make an annual request for advancement or maintenance of the flock/herd status within the SFCP. The request must be accompanied by the annual report including animal inventory, and all supporting documentation must be submitted to the status assessor.
Note: This pathway is not available to goats.
A blood sample is collected from all animals older than 14 months and submitted for genotyping by a CFIA-approved laboratory. Samples (e.g. blood samples) required for genotyping must be taken by a veterinarian accredited to deliver the SFCP or a third party under the supervision of a veterinarian accredited to deliver the SFCP (e.g. a veterinary student, a technician).
All animals 14 months of age or older, that are determined to have the 171QQ (136AA 171QQ, 136AV 171QQ, 136VV 171QQ) genotype, must have a sample of lymphoid tissue collected from the third eyelid by the accredited veterinarian on contract and subjected to testing for scrapie by a laboratory approved by the CFIA for that purpose. A minimum of 50 animals must be biopsied in order to continue in this pathway.
If all laboratory tests for scrapie are negative, the flock may officially apply to enter the SFCP and, if accepted, enter at level
Commencing upon acceptance into the program, brain samples from all sheep/goats over 12 months of age that die on the farm (deadstock) must be submitted for scrapie testing by a CFIA-approved laboratory. If no suitable samples have been submitted for testing for a period of time equal to or exceeding 12 months, at least one animal 18 months of age or older, which has resided in the flock/herd for no less than 18 months, is to be humanely destroyed (in any manner: slaughter, euthanasia) and a sample submitted for testing. If the flock is genotyped, then select a genetically susceptible animal to be humanely destroyed for testing. Alternatively if no suitable samples have been submitted for testing for a period of time equal to or exceeding 12 months, an enrolled producer may be permitted to remain on the program without advancing to the next level for one additional year (allowing time to raise an animal for slaughter and testing). For certified producers, they would incur a one year status penalty dropping them from certified to Level A.
Standards 4.6 to 4.12 for the introductions of animals, embryos and semen are applicable to this pathway.
For application to advance to level A, any breeding sheep that were purchased from other farms prior to entering the SFCP but were not 14 months or older (and thus did not have the third eyelid test) at the time of the first testing must now be subject to genotyping and third eyelid testing as per steps 5.1 and 5.2 above. The results must be submitted along with the annual report and the request to advance to level A.
The flock may advance to the certified level as per pathway 1. Once a flock has reached the certified level, it maintains this level provided that the requirements for this level (deadstock surveillance, acquisitions) are met. An annual request, with the accompanying annual report including animal inventory and all supporting documentation, must be submitted to the status assessor.
Note: This pathway is available to sheep and goats. Start at 5.10 if dealing with a goat herd on this pathway.
A blood sample is collected from all sheep older than 12 months and submitted for genotyping by a CFIA-approved laboratory. Samples (e.g. blood samples) required for genotyping must be taken by a veterinarian accredited to deliver the SFCP, or a third party under the supervision of a veterinarian accredited to deliver the SFCP (e.g. a veterinary student, a technician).
All sheep 12 months of age or older that are determined to have the 171QQ (136AA 171QQ, 136AV 171QQ, 136VV 171QQ) genotype must have a RAMALT biopsy collected by the accredited veterinarian on contract and be subjected to testing for scrapie by a laboratory approved by the CFIA for that purpose. A minimum of 50 sheep must be biopsied in order to continue in this pathway.
All goats 12 months of age or older must have a RAMALT biopsy taken by the accredited veterinarian on contract and subjected to testing for scrapie by a laboratory approved by the CFIA for that purpose. A minimum of 50 goats must be biopsied in order to continue in this pathway.
If all laboratory tests for scrapie are negative, the flock/herd may officially apply to enter the SFCP and, if accepted, enter at level B.
Upon acceptance into the program, brain samples from all sheep or goats over 12 months of age that die on the farm (deadstock) must be submitted for scrapie testing by a CFIA-approved laboratory. If no suitable samples have been submitted for testing for a period of time equal to or exceeding 12 months, at least one animal 18 months of age or older, which has resided in the flock/herd for no less than 18 months, is to be humanely destroyed (in any manner: slaughter, euthanasia) and a sample submitted for testing. If the flock is genotyped, then select a genetically susceptible animal to be humanely destroyed for testing. Alternatively if no suitable samples have been submitted for testing for a period of time equal to or exceeding 12 months, an enrolled producer may be permitted to remain on the program without advancing to the next level for one additional year (allowing time to raise an animal for slaughter and testing). For certified producers, they would incur a one year status penalty dropping them from certified to Level A.
Standards 4.6 to 4.12 for the introductions of animals, embryos and semen are applicable to this pathway.
To apply to advance to level A, any breeding animals that were purchased from other farms prior to entering the SFCP, but were not 12 months or older (and thus did not have a rectal biopsy) at the time of the first testing, must be subject to genotyping and rectal biopsy (if sheep), as set out in 5.8 and 5.9, and rectal biopsy (for goats), as set out in 5.10. These results must be submitted, along with the annual report and the request to advance to level A.
The flock/herd may advance to the certified level as per pathway 1. Once a flock/herd has reached the certified level, it maintains this level provided that the requirements for this level (deadstock surveillance, acquisitions) are met. An annual request, with the accompanying annual report including animal inventory and all supporting documentation, must be submitted to the status assessor.
Note: This pathway is not available to goats.
There are two distinct ways in which a producer may prepare their flock for application into this pathway.
A blood sample is collected from all breeding sheep and submitted for genotyping by a CFIA-approved laboratory. The genotype of 136AA 171RR breeding males must be determined twice and the genotype of breeding females must be determined once. (See sections 3.20 and 3.21 under General Rules for more details.)
Upon receipt of the results, all breeding females and males that are determined to be 171QQ (136AA 171QQ, 136AV 171QQ, 136VV 171QQ) or 136AV 171QR are removed from the breeding flock. If any of the breeding stock to be retained have been bred, it will be necessary to determine the genotype of their progeny to determine whether they may also be retained.
After removing 171QQ (136AA 171QQ, 136AV 171QQ, 136VV 171QQ) and 136AV 171QR sheep from the flock, an updated inventory documenting the fact that all remaining breeding sheep are 136AA 171RR or 136 AA 171QR must be conducted under the supervision of a veterinarian accredited to deliver the SFCP. At this point the producer may officially apply to enter the SFCP and, if accepted, enter at level A.
Commencing upon acceptance into the program, brain samples from all sheep over 12 months of age that die on the farm (deadstock) must be submitted for scrapie testing by a CFIA-approved laboratory. If no suitable samples have been submitted for testing for a period of time equal to or exceeding 12 months, at least one animal 18 months of age or older, which has resided in the flock/herd for no less than 18 months, is to be humanely destroyed (in any manner: slaughter, euthanasia) and a sample submitted for testing.
Alternatively, if no suitable samples have been submitted for testing for a period of time equal to or exceeding 12 months, an enrolled producer may be permitted to remain on the program without advancing to the next level for one additional year (allowing time to raise an animal for slaughter and testing). For certified producers, they would incur a one year status penalty dropping them from certified to Level A.
Newly purchased breeding stock must be genotyped 136 AA 171QR or 136AA 171RR by a CFIA-approved laboratory. This restriction also applies to semen.
Ewe offspring (including embryos) from a mating, involving at least one 136AA 171RR parent, may be retained in the flock for breeding purposes without genotyping.
Offspring (including embryos) from all other matings (other than those involving at least one 136AA 171RR parent) must be genotyped or removed from the flock by 12 months of age. 171QQ offspring must be removed by 12 months of age.
After one year of continuing the requirements for restrictions on genotype of introduced animals and deadstock surveillance, and the compilation of a second annual inventory that documents the appropriate flock membership, the owner may apply for advancement in the SFCP to certified level status.
Once a flock has attained the certified level, it maintains this level provided that the requirements for this level (genotyping of offspring from non RR matings and genotype restriction on purchased breeding stock or germplasm; deadstock surveillance) are followed. An annual request, with the accompanying annual report (including animal inventory and all supporting documentation), must be submitted to the status assessor.
A producer starts by selecting breeding rams that are documented 136AA 171RR. The genotype of 136AA 171RR breeding males must be determined twice. (See sections 3.20 and 3.21 under General Rules for more details.)
Over subsequent breeding cycles, the flock is culled such that all remaining sheep can be documented (by flock records) to be offspring of a 136AA 171RR ram.
All subsequent breeding males, be they natural replacements, purchases or loans, must be 136AA 171RR. Semen must be sourced from rams genotyped 136AA 171RR. All breeding females, other than natural replacements, and embryos must be established by genotyping as 136 AA 171QR or RR.
At this point, an annual inventory documenting the removal of 171QQ (136AA 171QQ, 136AV 171QQ, 136VV 171QQ) and 136AV 171QR and ungenotyped sheep must be conducted under the supervision of a veterinarian accredited to deliver the SFCP. At this point, the producer may officially apply to enter the SFCP and, if accepted, enter at level A.
Commencing upon acceptance into the program, a brain sample from all sheep over 12 months of age that die on the farm (deadstock) must be submitted for scrapie testing by a CFIA approved laboratory. If no suitable samples have been submitted for testing for a period of time equal to or exceeding 12 months, at least one animal 18 months of age or older, which has resided in the flock/herd for no less than 18 months, is to be humanely destroyed (in any manner: slaughter, euthanasia) and a sample submitted for testing.
Alternatively, if no suitable samples have been submitted for testing for a period of time equal to or exceeding 12 months, an enrolled producer may be permitted to remain on the program without advancing to the next level for one additional year (allowing time to raise an animal for slaughter and testing). For certified producers, they would incur a one year status penalty dropping them from certified to Level A.
After one year of continuing the requirements for restrictions on genotype of introduced animals and deadstock surveillance, and the compilation of a second annual inventory that documents the appropriate flock membership, the owner may apply to advance to the certified level of the SFCP.
Once a flock has attained the certified level, it maintains this level provided that the requirements for this level (selection of replacement breeding rams genotyped twice and purchased ewes, and deadstock surveillance) are followed. An annual request, with the accompanying annual report including animal inventory and all supporting documentation, must be submitted to the status assessor.
Animals grouped together with physical contact between the animals. This does not include limited contact (e.g. contact through a fence, pen separation during a show/sale). Commingling includes sharing the same section in a transportation unit where physical contact can occur. (Mélangés (mêlés))
Premises which share common boundaries and where co-mingling of small ruminants can occur between the two premises. (Aire contiguë)
all animals that are maintained on a single premises OR all animals under common ownership or supervision on two or more premises with animal interchange between the premises or indirect contact including shared use of housing, facilities or pasture. (Troupeau établi)
as defined in the Health of Animals Regulations. (Troupeau)
document issued by the regional administrator specifying the location and status of the flock/herd, indicating the date of issue, and identifying animals leaving the flock/herd following their sale. (Certificat de statut du troupeau)
incidental contacts between animals off the premises of the flock/herd such as at fairs, shows, exhibitions, sales and semen collection facilities. Limited contact does not include any contact, incidental or otherwise, with an animal during or up to 30 days after she lambed, kidded or aborted or when there is any visible vaginal discharge. Limited contacts do not include any activity where uninhibited contact occurs, such as sharing an enclosure, sharing a section of a transport vehicle, or residing in the other flock/herd for breeding or other purposes. (Contact limité)
Any goat and any sheep of 171QQ or 136AV 171QR genotype that has resided on a premises while it was declared scrapie infected by a competent authority (i.e. CFIA). (Animal sensible exposé à la tremblante)
An animal for which scrapie-positive results were reported by the CFIA’s National and OIE Reference Laboratory for Scrapie, using at least two CFIA-approved scrapie tests (e.g. ELISA, immunohistochemistry, Western blot) applied to the brain and/or lymphoid tissue. (Animal positif à la tremblante)
Any animal that has scrapie as a differential diagnosis. (Animal suspect à l’égard de la tremblante)
permanent, unique, traceable and secure (e.g. electronic identification, tattoo, tamper evident tag). Until the national mandatory identification program for goats is implemented, neck chains and collars are acceptable as one form of identification in goats. (Dispositif d’identification unique (identifiant unique))
includes all results that identify the animal as a homozygote for alanine (A) at codon 136 of the scrapie prion gene. (AA en 136)
includes all results that identify the animal as a heterozygote for valine (V) and alanine (A) at codon 136 of the scrapie prion gene. (AV en 136)
includes all results that identify the animal as a homozygote for valine (V) at codon 136 of the scrapie prion gene. (VV en 136)
includes all results that do not identify arginine (R) at codon 171 of the scrapie prion gene (includes glutamine and histidine; QQ, QH, HH). (QQ en 171)
includes all results that do not identify the animal as a homozygote for arginine (R) at codon 171 of the scrapie prion gene, identifying arginine on one allele and the absence of arginine on the other (includes glutamine and histidine; QR or HR). (QR en 171)
includes all results that identify the animal as a homozygote for arginine (R) at codon 171 of the scrapie prion gene. (RR en 171)
