What are the current measures to prevent the spread of scrapie?
Regulation 999/2001 on TSEs sets out the rules for intra-EU trade in sheep and goats. Sheep and goats for breeding must come from a holding which is subject to regular veterinary checks, where no case of scrapie has been confirmed for at least three years and where sampling of cull ewes is carried out. Imports must provide equivalent guarantees. From 1 October 2003 extra rules will enter into force (see What happens to other animals in flocks which have a case of scrapie?). Council Directive 92/102/EEC requires identification of sheep and goats leaving a holding of origin by ear tags and tattoos making it possible to trace the animals back to the holding. This is a requirement even for movement within a Member State. A register with an up to date tally of animals on the holding and a record of movements on and off the farm is also a requirement. Some Member States (France, Ireland) have gone beyond the requirements of EU law by introducing an individual identification system for sheep.
