01/06/07
The Sheep and Goat Health Schemes (SGHS) have launched the Caseous
Lymphadenitis (CLA) Monitoring Scheme 2007.
This scheme provided assurance of freedom from disease to those
buying breeding replacements. Recent research has shown
that vaccinating sheep against CLA does not provide the same
degree of assurance since some vaccinated sheep can still become
infected and spread the disease to other flocks.
Ram breeders need to act now in order to present CLA Monitored
stock at the sales this autumn. The first step is to isolate
the sale animals. This must be done a minimum of twelve
weeks before the first sale. This is part of normal management
practice in most flocks. The next steps are to enrol in
the CLA Monitoring Scheme with the Sheep and Goat Health Schemes
Secretariat (telephone 01463 226 995) and arrange with your vet
to collect the first blood samples and undertake a clinical inspection. A
second sampling and inspection are carried out a minimum of six
weeks later. The group will be awarded CLA Monitored status
provided these results are clear.
Notes:
- The CLA Monitoring Scheme was first opened to flock owners
throughout Great Britain in 2006 and was based on the pilot
scheme operated at the Kelso and Lairg Ram Sales in 2005. In
2006 some 1,700 rams were sold as CLA Monitored in GB. Rams
for sale at Kelso must be isolated from the 22nd June 2007
and those for Builth Wells from the 2nd July in order to comply
with the rules of the CLA Monitoring Scheme.
- The CLA Monitoring Scheme 2007 is open to flocks in which
vaccination is practised, provided the animals for which CLA
monitored status is sought have not themselves been vaccinated. This
is because vaccinated animals will give a positive result in
the blood test.
- CLA is a bacterial disease of sheep and goats and the disease
is now seen in several terminal sire breeds. It is not
yet widespread in hill and upland flocks. Information
on CLA will be provided by SAC staff on the SAC stand at NSA
North Sheep 2007 on 6th June 2007 at North Hanging Wells, Bishop
Aukland.
- The CLA Monitoring Scheme is supported by the sheep industry
as an essential tool in the prevention of the spread of this
important disease. This was agreed at a workshop held in March
2006 attended by 45 delegates.
- Flock owners who wish to test outside this Monitoring Scheme
may do so. Voluntary programmes in individual flocks
to eradicate disease are available. For further information
on eradicating CLA from an already infected flock contact Graham
Baird, SAC Veterinary Services (telephone 01738 629 167).
- The Sheep & Goat Health Schemes are operated by SAC and
have an advisory board with representation from the National
Sheep Association, breed societies and other industry representatives.
- The CLA Monitoring Scheme costs £8.00 (+VAT) per sheep
monitored. This covers the laboratory tests and certification. The
veterinary surgeon will charge for his visits to collect blood
samples.
- For further information contact :
Sheep & Goat Health
Schemes 01463 226 995
Graham Baird 01738 629 167
Brian Hosie 0131 535 3138
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