1 June 2010.

 

To Our Sheep Farmers,

Clutha District sheep farmers have always had an eye for the bigger picture and a desire to get involved with things that benefit not only themselves but the whole sheep industry, so I am writing to advise you of an opportunity to contribute to MAF Biosecurity’s New Zealand Scrapie Surveillance programme.

This scheme will pay $50.00 excl. per dead adult sheep, with a limit of two sheep per farm.

MAF Biosecurity is required by our trading partners to have proof this exotic disease doesn’t exist on our farms and is looking to evaluate a system whereby samples can be collected from farms via vet practices.  In this case they are looking at lymph nodes from the throat area of sheep and goats over two years old that have died on farms throughout New Zealand.

 

Clutha Vets have been asked to participate in co-ordinating the collection of these samples from farms in our practice area.  The fact that that there is a financial incentive involved may mean you will look favourably at supporting the scheme.

Criteria for eligibility –

·     Sheep or goats older than 2 years.

·     No upper age limit.

·     Only two animals per farm

·     Must be freshly dead e.g. overnight, smother, Johnes, parasites, salmonella or unknown causes etc accepted.

·     Heads with the first two vertebrae and larynx (voice box) attached, so remove the head down lower than you normally would.

 

 Note - Scrapie samples would normally only involve animals showing progressive non-responsive nervous disease. This project is to evaluate the collection system from farm to Lab processing of samples.

Any dead adult over 2yrs is eligible (including rams).  The deadline to get samples away for this option is June 30^th so we would appreciate your prompt attention if you wish to participate.

The heads need to be dropped into either the Balclutha or Milton clinics or to the Clydevale Depot in a leak-proof bag.

If you have any questions regarding this letter please contact Balclutha on 03 418 1280 or the Milton clinic on 03 417 8032.

 

Regards,

Bruce Bissett BVSc BAgr