November 28, 2008 — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is calling on sheep and goat producers to help eliminate scrapie from Canada.
Scrapie is a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system of sheep and goats. It was first diagnosed in Canada in 1938 and became a reportable disease here in 1945. There is currently no scientific evidence that scrapie can affect humans.
Under the national scrapie surveillance program, producers should report all sheep and goats aged 12 months and older that die on their farm or exhibit unexplained weight loss, problems standing or walking, or other changes in behaviour. The eradication of scrapie depends on the participation of all sheep and goat producers across the country.
Producers should call their local CFIA office to report animals and make arrangements to have samples taken for testing. A complete list of CFIA offices is available online at www.inspection.gc.ca or in the government directory of the phone book.
The CFIA covers the costs of testing samples under the national scrapie surveillance program. As well, under the Health of Animals Act, sheep and goat producers are eligible to receive compensation for any live animals ordered destroyed by the CFIA as a result of scrapie findings.
The CFIA is also conducting a questionnaire for Canadian sheep and goat producers to gather feedback on the national scrapie surveillance program. Producers are invited to complete the questionnaire online at www.inspection.gc.ca. Copies may also be obtained by calling 1-800-442-2342.
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For information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: 613-773-6600
