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:
- To identify and control the disease in participating flocks
- 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.
Click here to view a list of producers who are currently participating in health programs.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Maedi-Visna project, please visit Dr. Paula Menzies website at http://www.uoguelph.ca/~pmenzies/mv/Index.htm or contact the OSMA office at (519) 836-0043; email general@ontariosheep.org.