The Canadian Food Inspection Agency(CFIA)has finished testing the 26 sheep found at a farm in Grey County,Ontario,for scrapie-a disease that affects sheep and goats.The Agency confirmed that the test results are negative for scrapie.
Previously,the farm was placed under quarantine after a sheep from the farm was tested positive for scrapie.However,in early April,nearly 31 sheep from the farm were removed in violation of the quarantine order.
The Agency has recovered 26 sheep and conducted testing for scrapie.However,the efforts to trace the remaining five sheep are ongoing.
Scrapie can spread among sheep and goats without showing signs in the infected animals for several years.According to CFIA,all genetically susceptible animals exposed to scrapie must be humanely euthanized to allow for conclusive testing,and to ensure that the disease does not spread within the national flock.
The Agency noted that the scrapie control measures implemented are based on internationally accepted science,and are supported by the Canadian sheep and goat industries.
While there is no human health risk associated with scrapie,it has serious impacts on sheep and goat production and trade.CFIA said that with the support of the livestock industry,it seeks to eradicate the disease from Canada.
