Scrapie testing programme unveiled
25 July 2000
Scrapie testing programme unveiled
by FWi staff
AGRICULTURE minister Nick Brown has unveiled a programme to encourage farmers to use scrapie-resistant rams in a bid to eradicate the disease.
The programme is part of the Comprehensive Spending Review. It aims to phase out breeding from rams susceptible to scrapie within two to three years.
Details will be finalised after a period of consultation beginning at the end of this month, Mr Brown told journalists on Monday (24 July).
A spokesman for the Meat and Livestock Commission said the initiative would play its part in maximising uptake as soon as possible.
Under the spending review, the government has increased spending on research and surveillance of scrapie and BSE-like diseases in sheep by 26.2m.
Scrapie is a disease similar to BSE in cattle. It affects about 5,000 sheep a year. Ministers want to prevent any risk of a BSE-style crisis in the national flock.
Mr Brown said that although BSE had never been detected in sheep, there was a theoretical risk that it could be dormant or masked by scrapie.
He said: “Scientists do not know if BSE is present in sheep. We are taking action where the science is uncertain.”
Mr Brown said an additional 10.5m to invest in the Veterinary Laboratories agency would ensure the research would be carried out under modern conditions.
- Sheep face tighter BSE controls, FWi, 19 July, 2000
- Chancellor increases farm budget, FWi, 18 July, 2000