List of Producers Participating in the MVFSPP

Maedi-Visna Flock Status Pilot Project (MVFSPP)

Maedi-visna is a debilitating viral disease that can undermine the economic viability of a sheep flock. The name Maedi-Visna is an Icelandic description of the two major forms of the disease (Maedi=progressive pneumonia and Visna=wasting). Although it is ultimately fatal, most of the economic loss attributed to this disease is due to decreased milk production; lowered weaning weights; increased incidence of severe arthritis and wasting; higher than average number of respiratory infections; and decreased ewe fertility. In one study, it was found that 66% of healthy appearing, Maedi-Visna positive ewes had udder lesions and their lambs had lower than average weaning weights. The disease is common in many sheep producing countries, and 70% of flocks tested in Ontario in the late 1980's had at least one positive animal. There is no cure or treatment for the disease, however, there is a reliable blood test that can identify infected animals.

The Maedi-Visna Flock Status Pilot Project is a voluntary program administered by the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, in conjunction with the University of Guelph and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

The goals of the program are:
1. To identify and control the disease in participating flocks
2. To establish the economic costs and benefits of eradicating the disease

Producers are able to establish a 'whole flock' status (all adult animals are tested) or a 'monitored' status (a representative group of adults are sampled). Producers participating in this program are eligible for a discounted fee for laboratory analysis of blood samples. Producers are required to uniquely identify adult sheep, follow bio-security requirements, and complete the Ontario Farm Analysis Project. Although it is recommended, enrolment in the OSHP is not required.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Maedi-Visna project, please visit Dr. Paula Menzies website at www.uoguelph.ca/~pmenzies/mv or contact the OSMA office at (519) 836-0043; email projects@ontariosheep.org.