DEFRA announces £1.6m research on national scrapie plan

Defra today announced a £1.6m research project to assess the links between breeding for scrapie resistance and economically important production and health traits.

The work will look at sheep from the major sectors, including terminal sire and hill breeds as well as sheep from rare and heritage breeds.

The four year UK study, which will get underway early in 2004, will look to provide assurances on the possible impacts that the National Scrapie Plan may have on economically important breed traits and propose breeding strategies for the NSP to help minimise the loss of genetic variability.

The study, "Selective breeding on PrP genotype in the UK sheep flock: evaluating the consequences and deriving optimal strategies" will be led chiefly by scientists at the Scottish Agricultural College and the Roslin Institute.

Other organisations involved in the project include the University of Edinburgh, University of Wales Aberystwyth, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Meat and Livestock Commission, ADAS, the Rare Breed Survival Trust and the Sheep Trust.

Defra has been working closely with the other UK Agriculture and Rural Affairs Departments to have this important work in place. The study addresses a recommendation from the Government's Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee and has been keenly anticipated by industry stakeholders.

An independent steering group, to be set up next year, will monitor progress of this four year project, and provide updates to stakeholders on a regular basis.