[ANNEX VII U.K. CONTROL AND ERADICATION OF TRANSMISSIBLE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHIES
CHAPTER C U.K. Minimum requirements for a breeding programme for resistance to TSEs in ovine animals in accordance with article 6A
PART 1 U.K. General requirements
1. The breeding programme shall concentrate on flocks of high genetic merit, as defined in point 3 of Annex I of Commission Decision 2002/1003/EC. U.K.
However, Member States where a breeding programme is in place may decide to allow sampling and genotyping of breeding rams only, in flocks not participating in the breeding programme.
2. A database shall be established containing at least the following information: U.K.
(a)
the identity, breed and number of animals in all flocks participating in the breeding programme;
(b)
the identification of the individual animals sampled under the breeding programme, including breeding rams sampled in flocks not participating in the breeding programme;
(c)
the results of any genotyping tests.
3. A system of uniform certification shall be established in which the genotype of each animal sampled under the breeding programme, including breeding rams sampled in flocks not participating in the breeding programme, is certified by reference to its individual identification number. U.K.
4. A system for the identification of animals and samples, the processing of samples and the delivery of results shall be established which minimises the possibility of human error. The effectiveness of that system shall be subject to regular random checking. U.K.
5. Genotyping of blood or other tissues collected for the purposes of the breeding programme, including from breeding rams sampled in flocks not participating in the breeding programme, shall be carried out in laboratories that have been approved under the breeding programme. U.K.
6. The competent authority of the Member State may assist breed societies, to establish genetic banks consisting of semen, ova and embryos representative of prion protein genotypes which are likely to become rare as a result of the breeding programme. U.K.
7. Breeding programmes shall be drawn up for each breed, taking account of: U.K.
(a)
frequencies of the different alleles within the breed;
(c)
avoidance of inbreeding or genetic drift.
PART 2 U.K. Specific rules for participating flocks
1. The breeding programme shall be aimed at increasing the frequency of the ARR allele within the flock, while reducing the prevalence of those alleles which have been shown to contribute to susceptibility to TSEs. U.K.
2. The minimum requirements for participating flocks shall be the following: U.K.
(a)
all animals in the flock that are to be genotyped shall be individually identified using secure means;
(b)
all rams intended for breeding within the flock shall be genotyped before being used for breeding;
(c)
any male animal carrying the VRQ allele shall be slaughtered or castrated, within six months following the determination of its genotype; any such animal shall not leave the holding except for slaughter;
(d)
female animals that are known to carry the VRQ allele shall not leave the holding except for slaughter;
(e)
male animals, including semen donors used for artificial insemination, other than those certified under the breeding programme, shall not be used for breeding within the flock.
3. Member States may decide to grant derogations from the requirements set out in point 2(c) and (d) for the purposes of the protection of breeds and production traits. U.K.
4. Member States shall inform the Commission of any derogation granted under point 3 and of the criteria used. U.K.
PART 3 U.K. Specific rules for breeding rams sampled in flocks not participating in the breeding programme
1. Rams to be sampled shall be individually identified using secure means. U.K.
2. Any ram found to carry the VRQ allele shall not leave the holding except for slaughter. U.K.
PART 4 U.K. The framework for the recognition of the TSE-resistant status of flocks of ovine animals
1. The framework for the recognition of the TSE-resistant status of flocks of ovine animals shall recognise the TSE-resistant status of flocks of ovine animals that as a result of participation in the breeding programme as provided for in Article 6a, satisfy the criteria required in that programme. U.K.
That recognition shall be granted on at least the following two levels:
(a)
level I flocks shall be flocks composed entirely of ovine animals of the ARR/ARR genotype;
(b)
level II flocks shall be flocks whose progeny have been sired exclusively by rams of the ARR/ARR genotype.
Member States may decide to grant recognition on further levels to suit national requirements.
2. Regular random sampling of ovine animals from TSE-resistant flocks shall be carried out: U.K.
(a)
on the holding or at the slaughterhouse to verify their genotype;
(b)
in the case of level I flocks, in animals over 18 months of age at the slaughterhouse, for TSE testing in accordance with Annex III.
PART 5 U.K. Reports to be provided to the Commission by the Member States
Member States introducing national breeding programmes to select for resistance to TSE in their ovine populations shall:
1.
notify to the Commission the requirements for such programmes;
2.
submit to the Commission an annual report on their progress.
The report for each calendar year shall be submitted at the latest by 31 March of the following year.]