Scrapie Canada Updates September 2006

Scrapie Canada Takes A Trip To The East Coast

Scrapie Canada was Newfoundland bound this past June, presenting at the Canadian Sheep Federation’s (CSF) Semi-Annual General Meeting in St. John’s.

The Semi-AGM was spanned over two days at the end of June and brought together sheep producers from across the country.  Although I work for the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, the Scrapie Programs are National so on a daily basis I may be in communication with a producer out in Alberta or a vet out in Nova Scotia.  Attending CSF’s Semi-AGM was a great opportunity to meet producers from all across Canada. It was also fantastic to finally put a face to many of the names and voices I have been in contact with since coming onboard with OSMA last November.

The trip was a ‘trip of firsts’ for me.  Not only was it my first time on a plane, it was my first time making a presentation to a Board of Directors.  Although, the majority of the individuals in the room were sheep producers themselves, I had to take a different approach in the direction of my talk.  Instead of completing a once over, or a description of the programs, I wanted to present to the Board ways in which they could promote and sell the Scrapie Programs.  I felt this knowledge would be especially important if they were approached by interested producers or veterinarians.

So in regards to the benefits of the program. The majority of countries around the world are currently working to eradicate TSEs and the continued presence of scrapie in Canada has the potential to prevent access to international markets, including the US.

With active Scrapie Control Programs we can maintain market access and competitiveness.
A discovery of scrapie within a flock, results in the destruction of that flock.  This can lead to financial loss, emotional devastation and added costs for compensation programs.  Additionally, the destruction of a flock represents an animal welfare concern.

Being a participant on the Scrapie programs also encourages producers to maintain up-to-date and valid flock records.  Although, most producers who apply for the program are already well on their way in this category, it is one more incentive or guiding tool to do so.

Basically, the number one thing that producers need to know is, being an active member of a Scrapie control program will have a direct impact on the ability to trade once the border opens.  The most common response I get to this statement is, “well, the border isn’t open now, so what does it matter?”  Well, I think it does matter!  When the border opens and producers can show that they have been on a program for a number of years, it will give them an advantage over producers who have not.

Scrapie Canada keeps a copy of all of the presentations that we do, so if you would like a copy or would like any further information on either Scrapie programs, please contact the OSMA office at 519-836-0043.