SEAC Sheep subgroup statement

Defra is consulting stakeholders on four strategic options for the future operation of the National Scrapie Plan (NSP). The SEAC sheep subgroup’s views were sought as part of this consultation.

The subgroup concluded that the strategy of the NSP underlying breeding for scrapie resistance remains appropriate. However, the basis for the strategy should be kept under review in the light of emerging scientific findings with respect to the possible detection of scrapie infections in animals of genotypes currently thought to be most resistant to infection.

The subgroup was of the view that those strategies that reduced the prevalence of infection in the national flock most rapidly were the most desirable. On this basis Option A was considered inadequate. The subgroup considered that although Options A and B addressed scrapie in VRQ sheep these would not reduce scrapie in ARQ sheep, which may be more susceptible than assumed in the modelling, or the hypothetical possibility of BSE in sheep, which appears to preferentially target the ARQ allele. The subgroup considered a solution close to Option D was the most scientifically desirable given the importance of reducing the prevalence of scrapie and the potential risk of BSE.

The subgroup recognised there may be potential practical difficulties and in some cases genetic constraints for the sheep industry as well as cost issues associated with option D and therefore recommended that an additional option, Option E (mandatory Option B combined with voluntary Option D) be considered. This option, together with a further option, Option F (Option E combined with voluntary ewe genotyping and removal of VRQ ewes) were modelled. The subgroup considered the outcome of the additional modelling work and agreed that Option D remains the most scientifically desirable. Option F offered no significant advantage over Option E. Members agreed that Option E, given high voluntary take up, was also a scientifically valid strategic option for the NSP.

SEAC sheep subgroup
13 October 2004

Options for the NSP

Option A
EU minimum

The EU minimum rules require the genotype testing of all rams intended for breeding within flocks of ‘high genetic merit’ (Defra are proposing to apply the definition of ‘high genetic merit’ to all pure-bred flocks which sell homebred rams for further breeding) and the subsequent slaughter of those found to be carrying the VRQ allele (compensation will be paid for animals slaughtered). It does not require the genotype testing of rams sold for breeding elsewhere. Consequently, the sale of untested (and hence possibly VRQ) rams for further breeding is not prohibited. However, any untested rams purchased for use within another flock of ‘high genetic merit’ would need to be genotyped before being used for breeding and those carrying the VRQ allele removed in line with the requirements of the EU legislation.

Option B
EU minimum plus additional genotyping of rams\shearlings\ram lambs intended for sale and further breeding elsewhere.

In addition to the EU minimum requirements as described above at Option A, this option would also provide for the genotype testing in all flocks of ‘high genetic merit’ of rams\shearlings\ram lambs intended for sale and further breeding irrespective of whether they are to be used in other flocks of ‘high genetic merit’ or elsewhere further down the breeding pyramid e.g. in a commercial fat\slaughter lamb producing flock.

Option C
EU Minimum plus additional ram testing as Option B and voluntary ewe testing during the period 2005-2010 conditional on the removal of ARQ/ARQ breeding rams in participating flocks from 2010.

As Option B above, with an additional voluntary ewe genotyping scheme\service targeting female replacements conditional on the removal of ARQ/ARQ breeding rams from participating flocks from 2010. The Option is currently based on testing 200,000 female replacements across all sheep sectors per year. This is an indicative figure based on possible field and laboratory testing resource considerations (and may require fine tuning).

Option D
Compulsory NSP Ram Genotyping Scheme (RGS)

The current voluntary NSP’s RGS provides for the genotyping of all existing stock rams and for the removal of those carrying the VRQ allele. It also applies sale and on farm use restrictions for Type 3 (ARQ\AHQ\ARH) rams (end 2005 and 2008 respectively for terminal sire breeds and end 2007 and 2009 respectively for hill breeds). Additionally, it also provides for annual progeny testing of males (and females where there are fewer than 40 male animals available for testing i.e. each testing visit will comprise 40 animals in total) intended for further breeding. Under Option D, these arrangements would be made compulsory for all flocks of ‘high genetic merit’.

Option E

Strategy B (implementation of the minimum requirements set down in EU legislation (EU 2003) with the addition of sale restrictions on VRQ-bearing rams for all flocks of high genetic merit from 2005) and voluntary implementation of the current NSP purebred flock scheme.

Option F

Strategy E with the addition of ewe genotyping (and removal of VRQ-bearing ewes) in those flocks participating in the voluntary NSP scheme.

Page last updated: 29 July 2005