A SELECTIVE breeding programme which aims to eradicate scrapie from the national sheep flock has now been extended to all purebred flocks and flocks affected by the disease.
The first phase of the plan, launched by DEFRA in July, was for pedigree sheep breeders. So far, it has attracted more than 5,000 expressions of interest.
The programme is to develop genetic resistance to scrapie which has been present in the national flock for 250 years. It involves genotyping of rams by taking a blood sample.
Owners of sheep breeding flocks will receive a leaflet and letter inviting them to register. Those administering the scheme will then determine the number of animals to be tested.
Scrapie is a neurological disease of sheep which is not considered to be transmissible to humans. The external symptoms are similar to those of BSE so there is a theory that these symptoms could mask any presence of BSE in sheep although BSE has never been found in sheep.
Updated: 09:33 Thursday, January 17, 2002
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