Flocks infected with MV have doubled
The number of flocks infected with maedi visna (MV) virus has doubled in a 15-year period, a survey conducted by SAC and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency has revealed.
The number of infected flocks has increased from 1.4 per cent to 2.8 per cent, and the number of infected sheep has quadrupled, with the level of infection within infected flocks rising from 13 per cent to 24 per cent.
The survey is the first to look at the level of MV infection in the UK since 1995, and it also shows the economic effects taking their toll on infected flocks.
Catriona Ritche, a vet with SAC, said that while the number has risen, there is still a low level of MV infection in Great Britain, compared to other countries.
She commented: “Undoubtedly the existence over the last three decades of the MV accreditation scheme has helped keep the infection levels in Britain’s flock at a relatively low level, especially as many pedigree, terminal sire flocks are accredited free of infection. However, flock owners should not be complacent. As this survey shows, levels of MV are rising.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
