Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Ram Genotyping Scheme still open?
- Does closure of the RGS affect the Compulsory Scrapie Flocks Scheme?
- What will happen to RGS members contracts?
- Will an RGS ram be re-bolused if its EID fails or is lost in the future?
- What is the status of any existing NSP RGS ram genotype certificates once the RGS closes?
- After closure if a breeder buys an NSP ram can they get its RGS Genotype Certicate reissued in their name?
- What will happen to RGS Slaughter or Castration Forms outstanding when the scheme closes?
- Will the NSP Helpline still be open?
- Can an ex-RGS member still get their vet to sample their rams for genotyping?
- Will semen genotyping still be available once the RGS closes?
- What if a flock owner has a query about an ex RGS ram’s NSP genotype?
Is the Ram Genotyping Scheme still open?
Applications – ceased being accepted on 30 September 2008. RGS also closed on 30 September to applications for contract extensions.
Farm Visits – will visit by 31 December 2008.
Full Scheme Closure – will happen by 31 March 2009. This will enable all outstanding genotype results queries and anomalies to be resolved after sampling has ceased in December 2008 and for the administration of the scheme to be wound up.
Does closure of the RGS affect the Compulsory Scrapie Flocks Scheme?
The CSFS will continue. It is a statutory scheme mandated by EU law which applies specific genotyping and culling related control options on scrapie-affected farms.
What will happen to RGS members contracts?
Most of them run to 31 March 2009 and will lapse and not be renewed. Some that run past that date will be terminated. On-farm activities will cease by the end of 2008. All members will be written to and informed what is to happen to their contracts.
Will an RGS ram be re-bolused if its EID fails or is lost in the future?
If the loss/failure of the NSP bolus happens after all RGS on-farm activities end on 31 December 2008 it will not be replaced by Animal Health.
What is the status of any existing NSP RGS ram genotype certificates once the RGS closes?
The NSP genotype certificate will still be a reliable proof of a sheep’s NSP genotype – so long as the sheep still has its functioning NSP EID bolus in place. The EID can be read by anyone using a suitable scanning device which can display the number which can be compared to that printed on its certificate.
After closure if a breeder buys an NSP ram can they get its RGS Genotype Certicate reissued in their name?
No. Ram flock owners’ details were printed on each certificate. Re-issue will not be possible after the scheme administration is wound up by 31 March 2009.
What will happen to RGS Slaughter or Castration Forms outstanding when the scheme closes?
Once the scheme ends in March 2009 the requirement to dispose of NSP Type 4 and 5 rams will cease and these forms will not need to be returned to Animal Health Central Operations.
Will the NSP Helpline still be open?
Yes, the Helpline will remain open for CSFS members.
Can an ex-RGS member still get their vet to sample their rams for genotyping?
Yes. There are a number of commercial providers of scrapie genotying who would doubtless look to supply any new demand once the RGS closes.
Will semen genotyping still be available once the RGS closes?
No.
What if a flock owner has a query about an ex RGS ram’s NSP genotype?
Queries may be able to be resolved – up to the scheme’s closure date (31 March 2009).