Menu
28/07/2004
Consultation on eradication of scrapie is published
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has today issued a public consultation on strategic options for the Northern Ireland Scrapie Plan (NISP).
The review is in response to the EU requirement to introduce a compulsory genotype-based breeding programme from 1 April 2005 to help eradicate the disease.
Scrapie is a fatal neurological disease found in sheep which has been present in the national flock for over 250 years - but it is not considered to be transmittable to humans.
The consultation provides an opportunity for stakeholders to help develop a sustainable strategy for the NISP, which best suits the varied and diverse sheep industry in Northern Ireland and, critically, one which delivers positive public and animal health benefits by reducing and eventually eradicating scrapie infection from the national sheep flock.
Under the proposals, all purebred flocks that sell homebred rams for further breeding, of which just over 50% are already participating in the voluntary NISP, will be subject to the rules of the compulsory breeding programme from next April.
There is a theoretical risk that BSE is present in sheep in the UK, and is being masked by scrapie, although it has not been found to be occurring naturally. The Northern Ireland Scrapie Plan (NISP) addresses the theoretical possibility of BSE being present in sheep.
(MB)
The review is in response to the EU requirement to introduce a compulsory genotype-based breeding programme from 1 April 2005 to help eradicate the disease.
Scrapie is a fatal neurological disease found in sheep which has been present in the national flock for over 250 years - but it is not considered to be transmittable to humans.
The consultation provides an opportunity for stakeholders to help develop a sustainable strategy for the NISP, which best suits the varied and diverse sheep industry in Northern Ireland and, critically, one which delivers positive public and animal health benefits by reducing and eventually eradicating scrapie infection from the national sheep flock.
Under the proposals, all purebred flocks that sell homebred rams for further breeding, of which just over 50% are already participating in the voluntary NISP, will be subject to the rules of the compulsory breeding programme from next April.
There is a theoretical risk that BSE is present in sheep in the UK, and is being masked by scrapie, although it has not been found to be occurring naturally. The Northern Ireland Scrapie Plan (NISP) addresses the theoretical possibility of BSE being present in sheep.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 August 2001
Sheep sales resume under strict supervision
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bríd Rodgers, has announced her intention to permit the farm-to-farm collection of livestock and the resumption of commercial sheep sales under strict veterinary supervision.
Sheep sales resume under strict supervision
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bríd Rodgers, has announced her intention to permit the farm-to-farm collection of livestock and the resumption of commercial sheep sales under strict veterinary supervision.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
