National Scrapie Plan: Semen Archive
This project and Defra’s underpinning research into sheep PrP genotypes and breed traits (project SE0236) have given sheep breeders the assurance that they would not compromise the viability of their breeds by participating in National Scrapie Plan (NSP) schemes to increase the scrapie resistance of the national flock. Some 70‑80% of pedigree breeders have participated.
How has this been achieved? By storing semen from rams with scrapie susceptible genes that are rare or reducing. If it were ever necessary to reintroduce these genotypes (for example if a TSE strain emerged that compromised the predominant scrapie resistant sheep genotypes) the Archive would assist with the creation of the necessary breeding populations.
The achievements
Establishment of the Archive has been fully funded by Defra in GB and the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland. A Semen Archive Management Board (SAMB) comprising representatives of the National Sheep Association, The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), The Sheep Trust, and UK Agriculture and Rural Affairs Departments has provided guidance. Semen collection, freezing, and storage have been provided by Ark Consortium Ltd. The RBST has also had access to NSP donor rams for its own ReGENEration Appeal Archive.
The NSP Archive is now the biggest repository of sheep genetics in the world, holding over half a million semen straws from UK native and mainstream sheep breeds. It is a significant national farm animal genetic resource. The initiative and its successful approach to Government / Industry partnerships are complimented in the National Action Plan on Farm Animal Genetics (p.46-7).
The future
Collections will finish in spring 2008. SAMB will be making recommendations to the Departments on future storage options. They will also have regard to Defra’s consultation on sharing responsibility and costs within the animal health sector (December 2007 to April 2008). In it Defra asks how industry or an appropriate NGO can assume responsibility for the Archive’s future maintenance and use (S. 8.10-11). Thereafter, Defra will be looking to agree arrangements for industry to secure the future maintenance of the Archive. As part of that work SAMB will also be preparing a framework protocol that can inform the future release and use of the archived semen.
Further information
Archive helpline (ARK Consortium):0845 006 0008. E-mail: info@semen-archive.co.uk
Patrick Brophy, Defra, e-mail: patrick.g.brophy@defra.gsi.gov.uk
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last modified:
11 February, 2008