Flocks with MV virus double in 15-year period

Farming correspondent

Wednesday 11 July 2012

THE number of flocks infected with the imported Maedi Visna (MV) virus has doubled in a 15-year period, increasing from 1.4% to 2.8%, according to a survey by Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency.

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The survey is the first to look at the level of MV infection in the GB flock since 1995.

The survey also found that the number of infected sheep has increased four-fold, while the level of infection within infected flocks has increased from 13% to 24%.

In addition to the evidence showing an increase in MV, the number of flocks suffering significant economic effects due to high levels of infection has also risen in recent years.MV belongs to the same family of viruses as HIV which affects humans and, as with HIV/Aids, there can be a considerable time lag between infection and symptoms appearing. Also, as with Aids, there is no cure for MV and no vaccine to prevent or control it.Blood-testing and culling infected animals is the preferred method of control. Infection spreads through close contact, so intensively-managed flocks tend to have more infected sheep. By the time that signs of infection are seen, usually years after the virus has been introduced, it has reached such a high level it is very difficult to control.The survey has identified the Inverurie area in the North East and Ayrshire as the worst affected areas in Scotland, while there are also hotspots of the disease in the Borders.SAC vet Catriona Ritchie said: "Undoubtedly the existence over the last three decades of the MV accreditation scheme has helped keep the infection levels in Britain's flock at a relatively low level, especially as many pedigree, terminal sire flocks are accredited free of infection".The advice to flock owners is to purchase uninfected sheep and use the MV accreditation scheme to try and keep infection out of flocks.LAWRIE & Symington sold 15 prime heifers in Lanark on Monday to a top of 256p per kg and an average of 211.4p (-5.2p on the week), while 12 prime beef-bred bullocks peaked at 235p and levelled at 214.8p (+12.5p).Eight prime B&W bullocks averaged 168.6p (-5p), while a young bull fetched 173.5p.In the rough ring 79 beef cows averaged 142.6p, while 50 dairy cows levelled at 119.4p. Two bulls averaged 128.5p.The firm also sold 834 prime lambs to a top of £103.50 per head and 212.3p per kg to average 190.4p (+9.8p).The 357 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £142.50 for Texels and £69.50 for Blackfaces to average £72.80 overall (-£4.78).Craig Wilson sold 1275 prime lambs at Ayr on Monday to a top of £95 and 211.1p to average 190.9p (+10.9p).The 265 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £138 for Texels and £68 for Blackfaces to average £74.19 overall (-£3.14).

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Flocks with MV virus double in 15-year period

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