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SAC launches New Maedi Visna Test Package for Commercial Sheep Farmers

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N97
Published: 29 Jul 2011

Flock of sheep (opens in new window)

SAC has launched a new Maedi Visna (MV) test package for commercial flock owners as part of its ongoing efforts to encourage the commercial sector to act against disease.

SAC Consulting Veterinary Centre Manager Catriona Ritchie says that while many terminal sire flocks regularly test for MV and have good biosecurity in place to prevent infection occurring, the commercial sector has ‘largely ignored’ the risk. In response, the new SAC package aims to encourage more commercial flock owners to test for MV by providing a simple and affordable means of doing so. It involves testing only 12 of a flock’s thinner ewes and costs just £35.

Catriona said: “We are hearing more and more reports about how MV affects the productivity and profitability of flocks. MV infection has a long incubation period and it can spread unnoticed within, and between, flocks for many years before the effects of infection are seen. By this time it is likely that at least half of the flock is infected, when the economic losses incurred are so great that culling of the entire flock and re-stocking is often the only option.

“The aim of our new diagnostic package is to offer an affordable way for flock owners to pick up MV’s presence before the clinical signs are evident. Early detection makes eradication easier and much less expensive.”

SAC recommends that farmers whose flocks are free of infection take advantage of this by joining the MV accreditation scheme. In addition to the benefits of being able to promote stock as being MV accredited, following the rules of the scheme significantly reduces the risk of future MV infection.

SAC can also use the blood samples taken for the MV test to carry out additional analysis, such as identifying trace elements and Johne’s disease. Further information about the MV Diagnostic Test and the MV accreditation scheme can be obtained from the Premium Sheep & Goat Health Scheme or by calling 01463 226995.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Premium Sheep And Goat Health Schemes
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work Drummondhill, Stratherrick Road
Inverness
IV2 4JZ
TelWork 01463 226995
Fax 01463 711103

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News Release Issued By

Ms Jane Smernicki
Head of Communications
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4331

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