SRUC suspension of MV testing criticised by sheep societies

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is suspending all Maedi Visna (MV) accreditation scheme testing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Testing for the disease, which causes pneumonia and wasting, is included in the Premium Sheep and Goat Health Schemes (PSGHS) run by SRUC.

However, any scheme members whose flock is due a test during the Covid-19 outbreak will not be tested and their MV-free status will be suspended one month after the renewal date and only reinstated once testing is done.

The move was criticised by the Beltex and Texel breed societies.

Beltex Sheep Society chairman Jim Kennedy said: “Considering there are currently no farm assurance inspections or inspections from the department, and vets are being asked not to carry out routine tests, I think it is ridiculous for SRUC to even suggest a suspension and they need to take a look at themselves.

“Until such time as there has been a movement of MV-accredited sheep from one flock to another, there should be no need to retest in the meantime.”

Texel Sheep Society chief executive John Yates said suspension of a flock’s MV status after a one-month grace period was a harsh rule in a situation which was not of the flock owner’s making.

He added: “The society wrote to SRUC last week to query the change and to suggest a three-month extension to a flock’s status would be more appropriate, bearing in mind the current circumstances. In these uncertain times such a move would be a big help to all involved including SRUC, private vets and flock owners and allow them to maximise animal values in what could well be a tricky and disrupted sales season.”

SRUC veterinary manager David Wilson said: “During the Covid-19 situation, SRUC must prioritise its responsibilities for statutory disease, animal welfare, serious disease outbreaks, potential food safety incidents and potential new or emerging diseases.”