Changes to Scrapie Flock Certification Program

July 20, 2007 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) posted new standards to the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP).

According to APHIS, these changes, which went into effect on June 30, 2007, were made to meet the current World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) standards for export, to increase the assurance that certified flocks are free from scrapie and to improve the clarity, the process and the consistency of the program.

With the implementation of these changes, the SFCP now meets international guidelines as issued by the OIE.

"By amending the flock certification standards, our program now meets OIE guidelines, enhancing the opportunity for U.S. producers to export germplasm," stated Jim Logan, DVM, chair of the American Sheep Industry Association animal health committee.

The SFCP documents are available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/free-certi.shtml.
Staff contact: Paul Rodgers, 303-771-3500

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