The Ontario Sheep Health Program (OSHP)
OSHP is a flock health program that was developed at the University of Guelph and has been used as a reference
for other sheep health programs across Canada and internationally.
How can OSHP help sheep producers?
OSHP uses methods of disease control and flock evaluation proven to increase the efficiency and productivity of livestock operations
OSHP promotes a strong working relationship between producers and veterinarians to increase the awareness of on-farm and provincial flock health concerns
OSHP can be modified for use on all types of sheep operations
Certification in OSHP demonstrates that a producer:
* follows procedures to ensure on-farm disease control and quality assurance practices
*commits time and effort into optimizing flock productivity and health
What are the producer/veterinarian responsibilities?
The Health Program consists of 5 major sections.
PRODUCTIVITY REPORT: This section consists of calculations designed to help you identify areas of concern relating to the productivity of your flock, and to set goals for the next year. The mortality, reproduction, and lamb performance summaries will help highlight problem areas and allow you to set definable goals relating to these areas.
HEALTH MANAGEMENT: This section allows your veterinarian to review the current health management of your flock after completing a questionnaire relating to your routine health management practices. Your veterinarian will make recommendations for improvements if necessary.
BIO-SECURITY: This section highlights issues concerning the possible transmission of disease from outside of the flock and among animals within the flock. A questionnaire is filled out which is designed to investigate general bio-security practices within your flock. Your veterinarian will make any comments regarding required and recommended improvements to bio-security precautions on your farm.
QUALITY ASSURANCE: Consists of a questionnaire that relates to factors affecting the quality and safety of sheep and lamb products. Your veterinarian will make any comments regarding required and recommended improvements to quality assurance on your premises. Included are forms to help you maintain records relating to quality assurance issues.
SUMMARY REPORT: Your veterinarian fills out a checklist of requirements for OSHP certification at the end of the visit. A certificate will be issued based on your flock visit and results of the questionnaires and reports.
How do producers become certified under OSHP?
Producers wishing to enroll in OSHP should contact the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) for an application form
Producers are required to pay $75 to OSMA for materials and administration for the first year and $42 for subsequent years
Producers quantify past flock productivity and set goals for future improvement. Their veterinarian reviews relevant management practices, including disease control, bio-security, and quality assurance.
If the all requirements of the program are met, the veterinarian will approve the producer for certification. The process is repeated yearly.
If you are interested in finding out more about OSHP, please contact the OSMA office
at (519) 836-0043 or email projects@ontariosheep.org.