Wider access to schemes is key to combating iceberg diseases

摘要

SRUC Veterinary Services' Premium Sheep & Goat Health Scheme has launched two monitoring schemes to help combat two of the most important iceberg diseases and encourage a greater uptake of testing and biosecurity in the national flock.While the Premium Sheep & Goat Health Scheme (PSGHS) maedi visna (MV) accreditation remains the gold standard, and the only scheme for export due to its strict biosecurity and testing regimes, these two new monitoring schemes for MV and Johne's disease have been designed to be accessible to a wider range of sheep farmers. It is hoped those breeds not yet in accreditation schemes will be encouraged to take part, as well as commercial flocks selling breeding stock, and anyone interested in combating and protecting their flock from MV and Johne's.