SFCP Verification and Appeal

Procedures for the Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP):

Second Level Verification

Updated April 17, 2024

NOTE: The roles of Status Assessor and Regional Administrator referred to in Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of the SFCP National Standards are currently filled by the Canadian Sheep Federation Executive Director in consultation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) National Scrapie Program Specialist.

1. Initial application:

   Within four business weeks of receipt, the Status Assessor will process the application using the steps listed in sections 1-10. If any part of the application is found to be incomplete or unsatisfactory, the procedure in section 11 will be applied.

1. Open a hard copy file under the producer’s name and SFCP number.
2. For producers applying for temporary enrolment, verify application information:
1. Producer contact information is complete and the producer signature is present on the application form.
2. Veterinarian contact information is complete, and the veterinarian signature is present on the application form.
3. Signing veterinarian must be a CFIA veterinarian or licensed with appropriate provincial organizations and accredited to deliver the SFCP through the local CFIA district office (obtain dates of contract if relevant). Email CFIA and provincial veterinary licensing program administrators to confirm accreditation and licensing.
4. Site plan is present, legible, and includes all areas accessible to animals.
5. CFIA quarantine letter has been completed and signed by the district CFIA veterinarian, and the property listed in the application is not currently subject to CFIA quarantine action.
6. Signing veterinarian has verified there are currently no small ruminants on the property.
3. Temporary enrolment letter:
1. Upon receipt of Temporary Enrolment application, the Status Assessor will contact the CFIA to determine the producer’s eligibility to import.
1. If the producer is deemed ineligible to import, the Status Assessor will inform the producer that the CFIA has denied their eligibility to import, and that they will not be granted Temporary Enrolment.
2. If the producer is deemed eligible to import, the Status Assessor will issue a letter of temporary enrollment in the program. The letter will state producer name, date of acceptance and assigned SFCP number. The letter will also state that the producer will have 30 days post-importation to complete and submit an inventory conducted by an approved signing veterinarian on all sheep and goats on the property and will state that should the producer fail to complete full enrolment post-import, the CFIA will be contacted and made aware of the failure to complete SFCP enrolment.
2. The letter of temporary enrollment will be mailed or emailed to the producer and a copy of the documents will be placed in the producer file.
4. For producers applying for full enrolment, verify application information:
1. Producer contact information is complete and the producer signature is present on the application form.
2. Veterinarian contact information is complete, and the veterinarian signature is present.
3. Signing veterinarian must be a CFIA veterinarian or licensed with appropriate provincial organizations and accredited to deliver the SFCP through their local CFIA district office (obtain dates of contract if relevant). Email CFIA and provincial veterinary licensing program administrators to confirm accreditation and licensing.
4. Site plan is present, legible, and includes all areas accessible to animals.
5. CFIA quarantine letter has been completed and signed by the district CFIA veterinarian, and the property listed in the application is not currently subject to CFIA quarantine action.
6. Verify if flock is genotyped, if applicable.
7. Verify if the producer has previously enrolled in the SFCP. Producers who have previously enrolled but quit the program within 24 months of enrolling, or producers who received temporary enrolment but failed to complete full enrolment, are not permitted to re-enroll for a period of 3 years.
5. Verify animal identification and record keeping systems:
1. Two forms of appropriate unique identification are used for animals over 12 months of age.
2. Lambs/kids may be identified individually or in groups, in a way that allows the producer to trace them within the inventory.
3. Record keeping system is appropriate for maintaining program records (i.e. appears to be capable of tracking changes within the flock/herd).
6. Verify flock/herd inventory:
1. An inventory including appropriate identification for adult males and females, and juvenile animals is present.
2. Signing veterinarian’s signature is present on the inventory.
3. The date on which the inventory was conducted is noted on the inventory forms.
4. The inventory is dated no earlier than 3 months immediately prior to the submission date of the application.
5. The inventory is complete and includes both breeding animals and young stock, 12 months of age or older. Rams of genotype 136AA 171QR and 136AA 171RR are not restricted in their movement in and out of the flock.

   If there is to be movement of these rams, then they must be identified with their genotype on the inventory and genotype results provided.

   **Remember that two genotype test results from two separate labs are required for rams.**

7. Verify laboratory approval (for genotyped animals)

   Check that laboratory is approved by CFIA or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for genotype and third eyelid/rectal biopsy testing. Note: Only one of the two labs used for ram genotype testing is required to be approved by CFIA.

8. Enter initial inventory into database
1. Enter producer information from initial application inventory into a blank master inventory spreadsheet in the producer’s file.
2. Fields: Farm SFCP number, Producer first name, Producer last name, Farm Name (if applicable), Address, Status, Current Inventory date, Anniversary Quarter (assigned with status assessment), Phone, Email.
3. Enter the signing veterinarian information into a blank veterinarian form. Fields: Vet Name, Vet clinic, Address, Phone, Email.
4. Enter flock inventory accompanying the enrollment application into the producer’s master inventory spreadsheet. Fields: Animal id 1, Animal id 2, sex, birth date, farm # of origin (if requesting advanced enrollment), farm of origin status (if requesting advanced enrollment), genotype results (if applicable), live animal tests (if applicable) and comments.
9. Request for accelerated admission

   Applicants may request accelerated admission if they can demonstrate that the flock/herd has followed all program elements for the number of years of accelerated status requested. The Status Assessor must assess if the flock/herd has been subject to the following conditions for the number of years of accelerated status requested, including:

1. Flock/herd has been closed to the acquisition of animals from non-enrolled flocks/herds unless they were rams of genotype 13AA 171RR or 136AA 171QR.
2. If there are animals considered to be having different statuses, the status of the whole herd/flock will be based on the status of the lowest level animal (male or female).
3. Annual signing veterinarian supervised inventories have been conducted for each year of advanced/accelerated status requested.
4. All animals 12 months or older that have died or been killed on farm have been tested and are negative for scrapie.
5. All animals that have moved on and off the farm have been identified and supporting documents have been provided for every year of advanced status requested. The herd/flock status will be assigned based on the status the lowest level animal (male or female).
6. Sheep/Goat Milk, Colostrum, Derived Products Verification form has been submitted, and if the producer has sourced from an external source that source flock/herd’s status is verified, and recipient flock/herd’s status remains or is changed accordingly.
10. Request for advanced status
1. Owners who will be starting a new flock/herd with acquired animals of status D or higher and who request keeping that status will need to provide the following information in addition to the regular application protocol outlined in Sections 4-8:
1. a letter signed by the owner stating the premises has not contained small ruminants for at least 10 years, OR
2. a letter signed by the owner stating that it is unknown whether the premises contained small ruminants in the last 10 years, OR
3. a letter signed by the owner stating that the premises has contained small ruminants in the past 10 years.
2. If a) ii) or iii) apply and the owner still wishes to apply for advanced status, the producer must follow the CFIA outlined cleaning and disinfecting (C&D) protocol set out in the Accredited Veterinarian’s Manual under the supervision of the signing veterinarian prior to stocking any animals on the property. The signing veterinarian must certify to the administrator that the C&D has been done in a satisfactory manner.
3. The Status Assessor must assess if source flock(s)/herd(s) for animals applying for advanced status have met all program requirements for the number of years of advanced status requested or if they are from a program considered equivalent in terms of risk reduction, by:
1. Verifying the status of source animals from the SFCP database, OR
2. Verifying equivalent status of animals sourced from USDA SFCP enrolled farms, by checking with the USDA (primarily their website listing of enrolled herds) on a determination of equivalency.
3. Ensure that the status of males acquired is the same as the females. If they are not, herd/flock status will be assigned based on the status of the lowest level animal.
11. Incomplete or unsatisfactory initial application:
1. If information is incomplete or unsatisfactory, the Status Assessor will email (or where no email is provided, telephone) the producer within two weeks of processing of the application to inform them of the discrepancy.
2. The email or conversation will state that the missing information must be submitted within 30 days otherwise the application will be deemed abandoned. A copy of the statement (or note regarding the phone conversation) will be placed into the producer file and the file flagged for follow up.
3. If the producer responds with appropriate information, proceed with the application process (Sections 2-10).
4. If producer contacts the Status Assessor within the stated deadline and is willing to comply but needs additional time to complete requirements (e.g., additional sampling and analysis, vet accreditation required), the Status Assessor may set a new deadline. The producer will be informed of this decision as in (a) and (b).
5. If the producer does not respond within 30 days of the date of the original letter, their application will be considered abandoned, the file closed, and the applicant notified of the decision via email or letter. A copy of the notification will be included in the file.
6. A producer may appeal the decisions made in (d) or (e), see Section 26 (Appeal Process).
12. Assigning entrance level

    If the application package is complete, the Status Assessor will assign a status level within eight weeks of receipt of the completed initial application. The status level is effective from the date when the flock/herd is accepted into the program:

1. Unless there are mitigating circumstances, all producers will be entered at Level E.
2. Mitigating circumstances include consideration for country of origin of flock/herd or history of following program requirements (e.g. collection of heads, yearly inventory) for the number of years of advanced status requested.
3. If mitigating circumstances potentially apply to the application, the Status Assessor will consult will the Regional Administrator and/or CFIA National Scrapie Program Specialist before assigning an entrance level.
4. A flock/herd that has been subject to CFIA’s National Scrapie Eradication Program may only (re-)enter at the Level E.
5. Along with the Status Level, the farm will be issued an anniversary quarter (anniversary quarter is determined by the quarter in which the enrollment date falls: Jan. 1-March 31; April 1-June 30; July 1-Sept. 30; Oct. 1-Dec. 31).
13. Enrollment letter and certificate:

    Once the application package has been reviewed and program status assigned, the Status Assessor will:

1. Issue a certificate indicating that the application was accepted for enrollment in the program at the Level assigned in Section 12 (Assigning Entrance Level). The certificate will state producer name, farm name if provided, date of acceptance, level of acceptance, and program anniversary quarter.
2. The enrollment letter will state producer name and farm name, date of acceptance, level of acceptance and the ID numbers.
3. If the flock is genotyped, the enrollment letter will bring to the producer’s attention Section 4.5 of the National Standards (indicates sacrificed animals to meet testing requirements must be of susceptible genotype).
4. The paperwork required for the Application for Advancement will be included in the certification package
5. The certificate and acceptance letter will be emailed (or where no email is provided, mailed) to the producer and copy of the certificate and acceptance letter will be placed in the producer file.
14. Publishing updates:
1. As statuses are updated (and no less than quarterly) the Status Assessor will post enrollment updates on the program website (www.scrapiecanada.ca). This will include the producer’s name, farm name (where applicable), status level, anniversary quarter and date of status update. Only the status of the farm’s flock or herd will be listed on the website. Males with differing status will not be listed.
2. The Status Assessor will provide data (e.g., number of producers enrolled at each level [based on flock or herd], number of new producers enrolling during the quarter, number of producers revoked or suspended during the quarter, number of appeals,) to the CFIA National Scrapie Program Specialist upon request.
2. Review of anniversary quarter for Application for Advancement
15. Quarterly review for overdue applications:
1. On a quarterly basis, at the end of the first month of the quarter, the Status Assessor will review the database for producers whose anniversary quarter has just passed. Any producers from the previous quarter who have not submitted an Application for Advancement (which includes both the annual report and completed form “Application for Annual Advancement”) by the time of this review will be issued a temporary suspension from the program. The suspension will be documented, and the producer notified as outlined in Section 24 (Temporary Suspension).
16. Overdue applications:
1. If a producer’s status has been suspended for failing to submit an Application for Advancement within the timeline set out in Section 15 (Quarterly review for overdue applications), the Status Assessor will email (or where no email is provided, telephone) the producer to inform them of the suspension.
2. The email or conversation will also state that the Application for Advancement must be submitted within 30 days otherwise the program status will be revoked. A copy of the statement (or note regarding the phone conversation) will be placed into the producer file and the file flagged for follow up in 30 days.
3. If the producer responds with appropriate information, proceed with the annual advancement process (Sections 17-22). The suspension remains in place until a new status assessment is made. With a successful review, the Status Assessor will assign a new anniversary quarter based on the date the new status was assessed (e.g., if the original anniversary was Jan-Mar but application processing was completed in May, the new anniversary quarter will be Apr-Jun).
4. If the producer is willing to comply but needs additional time to complete requirements, the Status Assessor may set a new deadline by which the Application for Advancement must be received. The producer will be informed of this decision as in (a). The suspension remains in place pending the successful receipt and review of the Application for Advancement. With a successful review, the Status Assessor will assign a new anniversary quarter based on the date the new status was assessed (e.g., if the original anniversary was Jan-Mar but the application processing was completed in May, the new anniversary quarter will be Apr-Jun).
5. If the producer does not respond within the deadline set in (b) or (d), the Status Assessor will revoke program status as in Section 25 (Revoking Registration).
6. A producer may appeal the decisions made in (a) or (e) as per Section 26 (Appeal Process).
3. Application for advancement (Application form for advancement and Annual Report)

   Within eight business weeks of receipt, the Status Assessor will review the application using the steps listed in Sections 17-22. If any part of the application is found to be incomplete or unsatisfactory, the procedure in Section 23 (Incomplete or Unsatisfactory Application for Advancement) will be applied. Once the requested information has been received, the Status Assessor will process the application within 6 business weeks.

17. Verify application form information:
1. Producer contact information is complete and the producer signature is present on the application form.
2. Signing veterinarian contact information is complete and the veterinarian signature is present on the application form.
3. Signing veterinarian has verified that if the producer has breeding males (previously allowed into flock/herd prior to the June 2024 National Standards Update) that have been assigned a status separate from the rest of the flock or herd, they have been maintained separately as defined in the National Standards.
4. Signing veterinarian must be a veterinarian accredited by the CFIA to deliver the SFCP and licensed to practice in the province where the farm is located, or a CFIA veterinarian. Email CFIA and provincial veterinary licensing program administrators to confirm the veterinarian’s accreditation and licensing. Or, where applicable, access the provincial online database.
5. The Application for Advancement was received within 30 days of the end of the farm’s anniversary quarter. If the Application for Advancement was not received within 30 days of the anniversary quarter, a temporary suspension will be issued (see Section 24 (Temporary Suspension)).
6. Verify if flock/additional animals have been genotyped since the previous report, where applicable.
7. If applicable, determine if there is a request to advance to Level Certified Plus. Note: Ensure eligibility in Sections 18. d) and 22.b).
18. Verify presence of minimum lab results
1. Verify that there is a valid lab result or submission form for at least one animal 12 months of age or older dying on-farm within the previous year.
1. Ensure that test results include both obex and RPLN tissue for each animal tested. Notify the CFIA National Scrapie Program Specialist of test results where only 1 tissue was collected and tested, by supplying a copy of the lab report for follow-up.
2. The annual sampling minimum is waived for genetically resistant sheep flocks (defined in iii)
3. All sheep are 136AA 171QR or 136AA 171RR genotype AND all rams are 136AA 171RR genotype (determined twice from separate labs). To validate flock’s eligibility for this exemption, validate genotypes for all sheep, and ensure results are from labs approved by the CFIA or USDA.
2. If no animals over the age of 12 months have died naturally on the farm, producers need to choose one of the following three options i), ii), or iii).
1. If a producer elects to slaughter an animal to meet the minimum sampling requirement to advance to the next level, verify that there is a valid lab result or submission form for at least one animal and the animal is over 18 months of age and has resided in the flock/herd for a minimum of 18 months. If the flock is genotyped, verify that the animal selected for testing was genetically susceptible, defined as 136AA 171QQ. If the flock has not been genotyped any animal meeting the age/residency requirements can be tested.
2. If no suitable post-mortem samples have been submitted for testing, a herd or flock may advance to the next certification level if completing the alternative live animal sampling protocol. Verify that there is supporting documentation provided and valid lab results for this live animal sampling protocol;
1. Determine which animals are eligible for live animal sampling; all goats over 14 months of age and all 171QQ sheep over 14 months of age.
2. Eligible animals with negative live animal test results in the past 12 months are exempt from testing that year.
3. Ensure negative test results are provided for all eligible animals.
4. A minimum of 3 eligible animals must have been tested with valid results (e.g., if the flock or herd does not contain at least three eligible animals then this testing protocol cannot be used).
5. If flock or herd is positioned to move to Level Certified with this application, ensure it has accumulated at least as many valid results as there were test eligible animals present in the foundation flock/herd (test eligible animals at time of enrollment) or current flock/herd whichever is higher.
3. If no suitable samples have been submitted for testing in the program year and the producer elects not to pursue live animal testing, an enrolled flock or herd may be permitted to remain on the program without advancing to the next level for one additional year unless they were at level certified in which case their status level is dropped to Level A.
3. If a producer of a flock or herd is electing to not submit a sample or perform live animal testing, ensure that there was a valid lab result or submission form as detailed in 18 a) in the previous program year. Producers may not request this exemption for 2 consecutive program years.
1. If test results as in Section 18 a) and/or b) were submitted in the previous program year, the producer may remain on the program for one year without advancing in status.
2. If no test results as in Section 18 a) and/or b) were submitted in the previous year, the producer will be suspended from the program as in Section 24 (Temporary Suspension), noting that the producer has 30 days in which to submit for testing at least one animal 18 months of age or older which has resided in the flock/herd for no less than 18 months.
3. If the producer responds with appropriate information, proceed with the advancement process (Sections 17-22).
4. The suspension remains in place until the test information is received and assessed and a new status assessment is made. With a successful review, the Status Assessor will assign a new anniversary quarter based on the date the new status was assessed (e.g., if the original anniversary was Jan-Mar but application processing was completed in May, the new anniversary quarter will be Apr-Jun).
5. A producer who is under temporary suspension will have the opportunity to appeal the decision within 60 days of the suspension as in Section 26 (Appeal Process).
6. If the producer does not respond as in (ii), the flock/herd will be removed from the program as in Section 25 (Revoking Registration).
4. For those applying for Level Certified Plus, the sampling requirement is a minimum of 30 animals scrapie tested OR all genetically susceptible animals over 14 months of age live animal tested (plus all females acquired from non-Certified Plus flocks/herds in the last two years), whichever is less.

   If the producer is applying for the Level Certified Plus, determine if there are valid negative lab results meeting the minimum sampling requirement met through a combination of the following:

1. Post-mortem testing as the herd/flock has advanced through the levels of the program,
2. Live-animal testing as the herd/flock has advanced through the program,
3. Further herd/flock testing using live animal testing of genetically susceptible animals over 14 months or post-mortem testing (cull or slaughter animals) to make up the balance of minimum sampling requirement.

   AND in addition, determine that all genetically susceptible females acquired from a flock/herd that is not Certified Plus in the preceding 2 years have valid negative lab results met either by live-animal or post-mortem testing.

19. Enter Application for Advancement inventory into database

    Enter Application for Advancement inventory into producer spreadsheet.

1. Confirm producer and vet contact information is current, and that the same vet was employed as in the previous year. If the producer is using a new signing veterinarian, enter the veterinary information into the database as in 8c).
2. Update producer and signing veterinarian information from application for advancement in the master inventory spreadsheet.
3. Fields: Farm SFCP number, Producer first name, Producer last name, Farm Name, Address, Status, Genotyped (Y/N), Last Inventory date, Anniversary, Phone, Email.
4. Enter the signing veterinarian information from the application into veterinary fields. Fields: Vet Name, Vet clinic (if applicable), Address, Phone, Email.
20. Reconcile previous and current inventories:
1. Compare the current inventory with the previous inventory for all males and females over 12 months of age.
2. Add all new inventory for all males and females over 12 months of age to the master inventory spreadsheet.
3. Verify that all lambs or kids (under 12 months) have been reported. These animals may be reported individually or as groups.
4. For animals on both lists there is no further investigation
5. For animals on the previous inventory but not the current inventory, verify:
1. if animals were sold, verify the presence of receipts including individual animal id, or verify sale/slaughter of animals on provincial identification/traceability program report (i.e., Attestra report),
2. if the animal died on farm, verify presence of scrapie test result from approved lab if the animal was 12 months or older at the time of its death and ensure that both obex and RPLN tissue were submitted for testing with each animal submission,
3. if a test result is not present due to batching of samples at the lab or the submission date being too close to application date, verify presence of lab submission form for that animal. If only the submission form is included, producers must supply the lab result as soon as possible. If the result has not been received within six months following the anniversary quarter, a temporary suspension will be imposed as in Section 24 (Temporary Suspension). The producer will be notified by telephone or email of this condition and the conversation noted in the comments section of the database,
4. if lab result or submission form is not present for dead stock, verify if it qualifies for an exemption under the National Standards (Section 3.19 of National Standards). If an unsuitable sample was submitted, a temporary suspension maybe applied (see Section 2.3 of National Standards).
6. For all animals on the current inventory but not on the previous inventory, determine:
1. if homegrown (no further action)
2. if acquired, verify flock of origin via the sales receipt. Verify the appropriateness of the flock of origin status (including any temporary suspensions or if enrollment revoked), pathway, anniversary dates, and country of origin. Acquired animals of lower status will result in a downgrade of the herd/flock status to that of the acquired animal(s), except as in f) iii.
3. if acquired rams do not come from an SFCP (or equivalent) farm of equivalent or higher status, verify genotype test results. Rams genotyped as 136AA 171RR or 136AA 171QR, regardless of their source, will have no impact on herd/flock status. These rams must have their genotype(s) determined twice and must be accompanied by a letter from the seller confirming that the source farm was not subject to scrapie control actions at the time of sale.
4. previously acquired male(s) that have been assigned a different status level than the rest of the herd/flock will have their status’ advanced separately from the rest of the herd/flock. Verify the animal(s) is(are) maintained separately from the rest of the herd/flock except as permitted.
5. movements of male(s) leaving for hand breeding are considered commingling, and that animal’s status as well as the rest of the herd/flock’s status (both receiving herd for hand breeding and home herd) would be assigned to reflect any downgrades in status, upon movement of that animal.
6. for males previously imported from the United States under option 2c) of the import policy for breeding small ruminants, if the animal is no longer present on the inventory or has died and been tested for scrapie, notify the producer’s local CFIA District Office.
7. Examine flock numbers for both inventories (i.e. [total sheep and lambs on previous inventory + total entering the flock] – total number leaving the flock = Current inventory).
21. Sheep/Goat Milk, Colostrum, Derived Products Verification
1. Verify that Sheep/Goat Milk, Colostrum, Derived Products Verification form has been submitted.
2. If sheep/goat milk, colostrum, or derived products have not been sourced externally, verification is complete.
3. If sheep/goat milk, colostrum, or derived products have been sourced externally, then SFCP status of external flock/herd must be established.
1. If source flock/herd is SFCP enrolled at an equal or higher status, verification is complete.
2. If source flock/herd is SFCP enrolled at a lower status, recipient flock’s status must be lowered to status of source herd.
3. If source flock/herd is not SFCP enrolled, recipient flock/herd’s status must be lowered to Level E.
22. Program advancement:
1. If the Status Assessor determines that the Application for Advancement is complete the flock/herd is advanced to the next program level, downgraded to a lower status, or remains at the same level (based on the outcome of the annual application).
2. If flock/herd is to advance to Level Certified Plus, ensure eligibility defined as having been enrolled for a period of 7 years AND meeting sampling requirements set out in 18 c).
3. Issue a certificate indicating the new status for the animals in the flock or herd. The certificate will state producer name and farm name (where applicable), date of acceptance, status level, program anniversary quarter and deadline for submitting the next Application for Advancement.
4. When applicable, indicate on the certificate that there are breeding males in the flock or herd with different status than the flock or herd. The advancement letter will state producer name and farm name, date of acceptance, level of acceptance, the ID numbers of the males and what their individual status level is, the requirement to be maintained separate as detailed in the national standards, program anniversary quarter and deadline for submission of the next Application for Advancement.
5. The paperwork required for the next Application for Advancement will be included in the certification package.
6. The certificate and acceptance letter will be emailed (or where no email is provided, mailed) to the producer and copy of the certificate and acceptance letter will be placed in the producer file.
23. Incomplete or unsatisfactory Application for Advancement
1. If the Application for Advancement is incomplete or unsatisfactory, the Status Assessor will email (or where no email is provided, telephone) the producer to inform them of the discrepancy.
2. The email or conversation will state that the missing information must be submitted within 30 days otherwise the program status will be suspended. A copy of the statement (or note regarding the phone conversation) will be placed into the producer file and the file flagged for follow up in 30 days.
3. If the producer responds with appropriate information, proceed with the advancement process (17-22).
4. If producer is willing to comply but needs additional time to complete requirements, the Status Assessor may set a new deadline after which a temporary suspension will be applied. The producer will be informed of this decision as in (b).
5. If the producer does not respond within the deadline set in (b), the Status Assessor may decide to impose a temporary suspension as in Section 24 (Temporary Suspension).
6. A producer may appeal the decisions made in (e) as per Section 26 (Appeal Process).
24. Temporary suspension:
1. A temporary suspension will be applied if a flock/herd is under review for potential removal from the program (enrollment revoked). Reasons for suspension may include, but are not limited to:
1. Failing to submit the Application for Advancement within the month following the anniversary quarter. Suspensions issued automatically in this case.
2. Failing to respond to the Status Assessor’s request for information within the established time.
3. The flock/herd has contravened any program rules including inventory reconciliation, testing criteria, etc.
4. If scrapie exposed animals have resided in the flock/herd, as determined by the CFIA. In these cases, the CFIA notifies the status assessor that the flock/herd is under investigation, and/or the producer self identifies “under scrapie disease control actions” in their application for advancement. This triggers suspension of the flock/herd.
2. The Status Assessor will email (or where no email is provided, phone) and inform the producer of the reasons for applying a temporary suspension and the deadline for complying with program requirements (d) if applicable, or appealing (f).
3. A written statement will be issued (emailed, or where no email is provided, mailed) to the producer within two-business days of the conversation, which confirms the conditions of the suspension. The written notice will include the name and address of the Status Assessor. A copy of the statement will be placed in the producer file.
4. A producer who is under a temporary suspension as in 24. a) i.-iii. has an opportunity to submit any relevant information to the Status Assessor within 30 days of the temporary suspension being imposed.
5. A producer suspended by request of the CFIA as in 24. a) iv. may only be reinstated once CFIA’s scrapie eradication program requirements are complete. The producer must request the suspension be lifted and demonstrate having completed all CFIA requirements. Where requirements cannot be completed (e.g., susceptible animals missing to test) then the flock/herd may only re-enroll at level E.
6. A producer who is under temporary suspension will have the opportunity to appeal the decision within 60 days of the suspension as in Section 26 (Appeal Process).
7. If the producer does not respond as in (d), the flock/herd will be removed from the program as in Section 25 (Revoking Registration).
25. Revoking registration (Removal from the program)
1. A producer may be revoked from the program if:
1. They fail to respond to, or appropriately reconcile, a program suspension as set out in Section 23 (Incomplete or unsatisfactory Application for Advancement).
2. If the flock/herd is found to be either infected with, or a source of scrapie. Notification is received from the CFIA, requiring the producer be revoked from the program.
2. The Status Assessor will notify the producer in writing (email or mail) regarding reasons for revoking the registration and possibility of appeal. The Status Assessor’s name and address will be included in this letter. A copy of the letter will be included in the producer file.
3. The producer is allowed 60 days to appeal the decision as in Section 26 (Appeal Process).
26. Appeal process

    The Regional Administrator will appoint a committee of three to consider all appeals. The three individuals will each represent one of the following groups:

• an employee of the provincial veterinary or livestock authority or service,
• a professional employee of a college or university who is familiar with the appropriate small ruminant industry,
• a representative of a livestock association other than one associated with the small ruminant industry involved in the appeal,
• a representative of the provincial veterinary association,
• the representative of the status assessor from another certified herd program, either provincial or CFIA.

  A representative of the appropriate sheep / goat organisation may assist the committee to provide information relating to the small ruminant industry.

  The Regional Administrator will request a representative of the CFIA national scrapie program to observe the appeal as a non-voting member of the committee.

  For each appeal committee the Regional Administrator will appoint a nonvoting chair from the Canadian Sheep Federation.

  Requests for appeal will be in writing and will set out the reasons why the appeal should be considered. Where there is specific information concerning the circumstances surrounding the death of the sheep / goat or an incident in the herd, the request shall be countersigned by the accredited veterinarian responsible for the herd. If the initial appeal is unsatisfactory, the Regional Administrator will notify the producer and signing veterinarian in writing of the continued suspension or revocation of the flock status, advising that there is a 60-day deadline to present a final appeal.

  The appeal committee may conduct its meeting(s) by teleconference and need not meet in person.

  An appeal committee will be appointed to consider each / every appeal and provide their recommended course of action to the Regional Administrator for implementation. Where the Regional Administrator and Status Assessor believe that the recommendation of the committee would jeopardize the status of the certified herd program, the Regional Administrator may convene a further committee consisting of a representative of the CFIA national scrapie program and two other provincial sheep specialists. A representative of the relevant national small ruminant organisation will be an ex-officio member of the committee. The recommendation of this committee will be binding.

27. Reinstating flock status

    A producer that has been removed from the program may submit a new application. The Status Assessor will determine if and at what level the flock should be reinstated based on the reasons for removal (see Section 2.3 of National Standards).

28. Changes to the National Standards
1. CFIA is responsible for development and changes to the national standards.
2. A review of the program will be made at least annually or as required as new information becomes available.
3. The Status Assessor will inform all enrolled producers of upcoming reviews and proposed changes for comment.
4. The Regional Administrator will relay any producer comments regarding requested changes to the CFIA National Scrapie Program Specialist prior to the review.
5. The Status Assessor will provide hard copies or e-copies of approved changes to standards to all enrolled producers within 30-days of receipt of official revisions from CFIA.
6. Approved changes will be posted on the website in both official languages within eight weeks of receipt of the official copies from the CFIA.