[Jacob-list] Voluntary Scrapie Program

[2512 at nethawk.com]

> How do I get scrapies tested I want to get it done
because I have 9 right now and in the spring ill have
15 so I should better get it done Matt McCarthy


Matt,
First you must call Lansing at 517-324-5290 and ask for the Voluntary
Scrapies Program.  You will be sent a packet with a assigned number- each
sheep must be tagged with that number.  In your case we have tagged all the
sheep you have from our flock since July 17th, 2001.  Therefore those sheep
do not need to be re-tagged.  You will just need to tag your other sheep
with your assigned scrapies flock ID number.  Then Dr. Woltanski will come
out and inspect them and be sure they are all tagged.  Then each year he
will come out and inspect the flock and your records.  Records are extremely
important in this program.

According to the vet it is very rare in wool breeds. Also it has never been
documented in rams that he knows of, and I think it says that in the
scrapies booklet I received as well.   It is primarily passed to ewe lambs
through the birth process or to other adult sheep if they ingest hay with
afterbirth on it from an infected ewe. It is still prevalent in market type
sheep in this state- Suffolks especially.  I will be happy when it is
required so it is eradicated.

Hope this helps,
Bonnie
Herb and Bonnie Sutten
Sheepy Thyme Farm  Edmore, MI
www.agdomain.com/web/sheepythyme/