New Texas Scrapie Rules

[Ridgetop]

I just received a copy of the Proposed New Scrapie Rules for Texas from American Dorper Sheep Breeders Association. Please read this since if anyone wants to import any breeding ewes (registered or commercial) this will impact you. I know Baymule occasionally gets a new ram from Mike and Theresa, and I bring in sheep to add to my gene pool as well.

I sent in my opposition letter since many breeders outside Texas will not want to go through the economic expense of Codon testing all their breeding stock just to be able to sell/ship into Texas. This is going to mean that the genetic pool of sheep in Texas will be restricted. If anyone is interested in upgrading their sheep by importing from states outside Texas, they will only be able to buy Codon tested ewes or from "Texas Export Certified Flocks" registered with the state of Texas. It will also have an effect on sheep shows in Texas since most of the show animals competing in breeding shows are then sold at auction following placement in the shows.

The last case of scrapie in Texas was in 2016 - 8 years ago and the last case of scrapie in the entire U.S. was in 2019 in Pennsylvania. While Codon testing is a good thing, the incidence of scrapie is so low in the U.S. due to the accelerated scrapie program started in 2000, that this constitutes an unnecessary burden on sheep producers wishing to improve their breeding programs by importing better bloodlines into the state of Texas.

If anyone wants to oppose this, comments should be sent by July 14 to:
comments <comments@tahc.texas.gov>
Subject: Proposed Scrapie Rule change

I know this currently only affects those of us living in Texas that may want to buy ewes from another state, but it will also affect persons relocating into the state with ewes. The new Proposed Rule does not apply to rams at this stage.

Critical Change to Texas' Importation of Breeding Sheep - Please read and comment or contact Karla for additional information. karla@dorpersheep.org.​

Comment NOW​

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has proposed a significant amendment to the entry requirements for sheep, as it pertains to scrapies. There is an open comment timeframe from now until JULY 14, 2024. This change requires that all female breeding sheep and crossbred female breeding sheep originate from an Export Certified Flock or have documentation supporting that the animals are of the genotype RR at codon 171 or AA at codon 136 and QR at codon 171. This ruling affects Texas breeders when importing breeding ewes, but it also affects the ENTIRE SHEEP INDUSTRY as it prevents breeders from outside the state to sell breeding ewes into TX without meeting the requirements stated above. This will require seedstock producers who sell to Texas to become certified free or to perform genetic testing on each animal. The economic impact on the sheep industry will be substantial and this must be stopped before it gains momentum. We know you are all busy, but this is a threat to our livelihood and our industry. Please take a moment to comment before July 14. Comments may be submitted to Amanda Bernhard, Texas Animal Health Commission by mail at 2105 Kramer Lane, Austin, Texas 78758 or by email to comments@tahc.texas.gov. We are asking that ALL members of the American Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society actively challenge this amendment by using the following talking points. The proposed amendment cannot be passed. We have to act now. The following talking points are endorsed by the Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Association. I have been in communication with the TSGRA and with other sheep registries. This is a coordinated effort. TALKING POINTS Oppose the proposed Scrapie Rule change. An accelerated scrapie eradication was initiated in the early 2000’s at the request of the sheep industry. The program has accomplished its objectives and has for practical purposes been eradicated from the US. The US has not had a classical case of scrapie for 5 years (case in Pennsylvania in 2019) and the last case of scrapie in Texas occurred in 2016. it was in a Southdown in north Texas that this regulation change would not have prevented. The last case of scrapie in Texas was in 2016. The revised rule is not necessary and will impose a significant cost on Texas producers. It will severely restrict the availability of superior breeding stock available to Texas producers. Current Texas import regulations requiring genotype testing on BF sheep are among some of the most restrictive in the Western Sheep states. Wyoming is similar to ours in requiring genotype testing on blackface but not whiteface. However, Wyoming Wool Growers are considering petitioning their animal health division to remove their blackface genotype requirement. Most other states (Montana, Idaho, Utah, Mexico, Colorado, Oregon, California, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Ohio, Kansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Indiana do not require genotype testing. When the program began, a higher prevalence of classical scrapie cases were identified in the blackface breeds. In fact, I believe there has only been a couple of cases of classical scrapie identified in purebred wool whiteface breeds. Initially, these data were used to support additional surveillance and genotype testing requirements for those breeds and their crosses. Because of the higher prevalence of scrapie in blackface breeds of sheep, genotype testing has been a priority for those breeders. The prevalence of classical scrapie has not increased in whiteface wool breeds of sheep but has decreased substantially in blackface breeds and their crosses to the point that the prevalence of scrapie in the US sheep flock is basically too small to measure. These data support the reduction of genotype testing requirements rather than expanding them.

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[secuono]

I'm not seeing any problem at all. Just have breeder test and any RR sheep can go into Texas. Or am I not understanding this?

 

[SageHill]

I just received a copy of the Proposed New Scrapie Rules for Texas from American Dorper Sheep Breeders Association. Please read this since if anyone wants to import any breeding ewes (registered or commercial) this will impact you. I know Baymule occasionally gets a new ram from Mike and Theresa, and I bring in sheep to add to my gene pool as well.

I sent in my opposition letter since many breeders outside Texas will not want to go through the economic expense of Codon testing all their breeding stock just to be able to sell/ship into Texas. This is going to mean that the genetic pool of sheep in Texas will be restricted. If anyone is interested in upgrading their sheep by importing from states outside Texas, they will only be able to buy Codon tested ewes or from "Texas Export Certified Flocks" registered with the state of Texas. It will also have an effect on sheep shows in Texas since most of the show animals competing in breeding shows are then sold at auction following placement in the shows.

The last case of scrapie in Texas was in 2016 - 8 years ago and the last case of scrapie in the entire U.S. was in 2019 in Pennsylvania. While Codon testing is a good thing, the incidence of scrapie is so low in the U.S. due to the accelerated scrapie program started in 2000, that this constitutes an unnecessary burden on sheep producers wishing to improve their breeding programs by importing better bloodlines into the state of Texas.

If anyone wants to oppose this, comments should be sent by July 14 to:
comments <comments@tahc.texas.gov>
Subject: Proposed Scrapie Rule change

I know this currently only affects those of us living in Texas that may want to buy ewes from another state, but it will also affect persons relocating into the state with ewes. The new Proposed Rule does not apply to rams at this stage.

​ Critical Change to Texas' Importation of Breeding Sheep - Please read and comment or contact Karla for additional information. karla@dorpersheep.org.​

​ Comment NOW​

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has proposed a significant amendment to the entry requirements for sheep, as it pertains to scrapies. There is an open comment timeframe from now until JULY 14, 2024. This change requires that all female breeding sheep and crossbred female breeding sheep originate from an Export Certified Flock or have documentation supporting that the animals are of the genotype RR at codon 171 or AA at codon 136 and QR at codon 171. This ruling affects Texas breeders when importing breeding ewes, but it also affects the ENTIRE SHEEP INDUSTRY as it prevents breeders from outside the state to sell breeding ewes into TX without meeting the requirements stated above. This will require seedstock producers who sell to Texas to become certified free or to perform genetic testing on each animal. The economic impact on the sheep industry will be substantial and this must be stopped before it gains momentum. We know you are all busy, but this is a threat to our livelihood and our industry. Please take a moment to comment before July 14. Comments may be submitted to Amanda Bernhard, Texas Animal Health Commission by mail at 2105 Kramer Lane, Austin, Texas 78758 or by email to comments@tahc.texas.gov. We are asking that ALL members of the American Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society actively challenge this amendment by using the following talking points. The proposed amendment cannot be passed. We have to act now. The following talking points are endorsed by the Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Association. I have been in communication with the TSGRA and with other sheep registries. This is a coordinated effort. TALKING POINTS Oppose the proposed Scrapie Rule change.​ An accelerated scrapie eradication was initiated in the early 2000’s at the request of the sheep industry. The program has accomplished its objectives and has for practical purposes been eradicated from the US. The US has not had a classical case of scrapie for 5 years (case in Pennsylvania in 2019) and the last case of scrapie in Texas occurred in 2016. it was in a Southdown in north Texas that this regulation change would not have prevented. ​ The last case of scrapie in Texas was in 2016. The revised rule is not necessary and will impose a significant cost on Texas producers. It will severely restrict the availability of superior breeding stock available to Texas producers. ​ Current Texas import regulations requiring genotype testing on BF sheep are among some of the most restrictive in the Western Sheep states. Wyoming is similar to ours in requiring genotype testing on blackface but not whiteface. However, Wyoming Wool Growers are considering petitioning their animal health division to remove their blackface genotype requirement. Most other states (Montana, Idaho, Utah, Mexico, Colorado, Oregon, California, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Ohio, Kansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Indiana do not require genotype testing. ​ When the program began, a higher prevalence of classical scrapie cases were identified in the blackface breeds. In fact, I believe there has only been a couple of cases of classical scrapie identified in purebred wool whiteface breeds. Initially, these data were used to support additional surveillance and genotype testing requirements for those breeds and their crosses. Because of the higher prevalence of scrapie in blackface breeds of sheep, genotype testing has been a priority for those breeders. The prevalence of classical scrapie has not increased in whiteface wool breeds of sheep but has decreased substantially in blackface breeds and their crosses to the point that the prevalence of scrapie in the US sheep flock is basically too small to measure. These data support the reduction of genotype testing requirements rather than expanding them.

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Texas will be the state others states watch. I would not be surprised if /when other states follow.

 

[Baymule]

Most Katahdin producers do test Codon 171. I don’t know about other breeds. We don’t need to make it difficult to bring in new genetics.

 

[StandingOakHomestead]

What is the cost per test with the second panel added in the instance of QR sheep? The USDA says $11.50 per test. If you include in your lambing protocol it’s not extra vet fees.

Sadly our state isn’t the best when it comes to anything prion related… Getting ahead early and breeding with increased focus on the Codon 171 isn’t exactly a bad idea.

 

[Skiesblue]

Nanny State strikes again. Gubberment stay out of my business.

 

[Ridgetop]

Not everyone tests for Codon scrapie resistance. I would be interested to know how many flocks nationwide test for this since the incidence of scrapie is almost nonexistent in the U.S. How many smaller flocks test for this?

Testing for Codon 171 is $11.50 and for Codon 136 another $11.50 so $23.00 per animal being tested. That is just for the blood tests, it does not include the vet fee to draw blood or the cost of the appropriate tubes to ship and most importantly, the ability to draw blood from a struggling sheep.

I tried to look up the requirements to obtain a Texas Certified Flock designation and there are none (other than for poultry).

These new rules don't apply to rams, only to ewes. The original rules on this scrapie thing referred only to black faced sheep. Now that language has been removed and all sheep of whatever breed are included.

Asking the breeder and seller to do the tests may be ok, and there is certainly a requirement for Brucellosis testing on 6 months or older rams coming into Texas (and other states). However, while a test on one ram may be financially doable, testing flocks of ewes amounts to a larger financial amount.

According to Scrapie Genetic Susceptibility, Aphis 3/28/03:
Genetic Susceptibility to Scrapie· Codon 136 codes for either the amino acid valine (V) or alanine (A);· Codon 154 codes for either histidine (H) or arginine (R); ando Codon 154 plays a minor role in scrapie susceptibility and is not often used in the United States. Codon 154 is not a consideration in the US Scrapie Eradication Program at this time.· Codon 171 codes for glutamine (Q), arginine (R), lysine (K), or histidine (H). o The presence of H at 171 is presently thought to be equivalent to Q for scrapie resistance. K at 171 has recently been found in a few Barbados sheep, its effect on scrapie resistance has not been studied.

US sheep have 3 major forms (alleles) of the scrapie susceptibility gene: AQ, AR, and VQ and 2 minor forms AH and AK. The VQ allele occurs at a significantly lower frequency than AQ or AR. For the purpose of this discussion H or K at 171 will be considered equivalent to Q. Each sheep inherits two copies of each gene and thus two alleles (one from each parent). Codons 136 and 171 are close together on the same chromosome so the offspring will always receive one of the alleles of each parent and not a mixture of the two. In the United States, codon 171 appears to be the major determinant of relative scrapie susceptibility. In some flocks, codon 136 may also play a role.

Each gene has a pair of alleles, one on each chromosome of a chromosome pair. Alleles reside in the same site on each chromosome. When only codons 171 and 136 are considered and H or K at 171 is treated as a Q at 171, there are only four combinations that need to be considered in order to eliminate scrapie from a flock AARR, AAQR, AVQR, and QQ.

1. AA RR sheep are nearly completely resistance to scrapie. Only one case (in Japan) has ever been reported. These sheep are highly unlikely to carry or transmit scrapie;
2. AA QR sheep are rarely susceptible. In rare cases, AA QR sheep in Europe have become infected. Most but not all cases have been in flocks with high scrapie prevalence. It is unknown whether infected AA QR sheep can transmit the disease. The risk from exposed AA QR sheep is probably minor, since infected AA QR sheep are rare and it is unusual for PrP scrapie to be found outside the brain of these sheep;
3. AV QR sheep are somewhat susceptible to some scrapie strains. Two cases have been identified in the US. The risk from exposed AV QR sheep is probably minor, since infected AV QR sheep are rare and it is unusual for PrP scrapie to be found outside the brain of these sheep. AV QR sheep are significantly less susceptible to the scrapie strains that affect them than are the QQ sheep that are affected by these strains
4. QQ Sheep (AA QQ, AV QQ, and VV QQ) are susceptible to scrapie and can transmit the disease to susceptible flock mates."

As I read this, both parents must be tested for the Codon gene/alleles to certify the offspring resistant. This is going to run into money with 2 individual tests per animal costing $11.50 each, plus the blood draw, shipping, etc. The new rule only requires testing on ewes being imported. Why not on rams as well?

The scrapie program started years ago with voluntary scrapie tagging. I was one of the first in California to order tags on this volunteer program. Now it is mandatory. Texas is one of the states where sheep raising is big business. Being unable to import animals in without extensive Codon testing and/or Certification may eventually spread to not being able to sell within the state without the testing.

We have a small flock of White Dorpers. We currently have 50 head of sheep (not counting any replacement lambs) To test our flock will cost $1150.00 plus the vet fee to come to the ranch and pull blood, plus the other fees for medical waste, etc. that get tacked on. Once that is done, will I have to continue testing each animal I sell for breeding? Or each animal I keep for replacement and breeding? The proposed new rule is not clear on this.

 

[Skiesblue]

I ordered scrapie tags for my flock from the state (free). In 2006. Still waiting. At that time, no vet I knew had heard of a case of scrapie here in the last 80 years. Not one.

 

[Ridgetop]

Only 2 cases in U.S. since 2016.

Most of us all have scrapie tags from our states now. Had my original California number from when they were optional and you could specify your own personal number. I ordered and received the TX scrapie tags when we moved. The auction yards now have their own scrapie numbers so any animals can be tracked back to them and from them to the person who sold the animal.

Not sure why this sudden new rule on scrapie Codon testing.