Information received from David Wilson, MRCVS, Premium Sheep and Goat Health Schemes regarding Imports into the UK, please read and take note.

Import into the UK of sheep accredited free of maedi visna (MV) in other countries

Accreditation for MV in countries other than the UK does not mean sheep are automatically eligible to join UK accredited flocks.

All MV accredited animals (including UK accredited) added to MV accredited flocks require testing within 6 to 12 months of entry as part of the standard rules of the scheme. Non-accredited animals to be added to an accredited flock require isolation and two clear tests, 6 months apart. All animals must be at least 12 months of age at testing.

Imported animals accredited under a non-UK scheme must not be added to an MV accredited flock until certification of their status has been provided to the PSGHS, who will check details of the documents and of the scheme in question. A declaration that the import has occurred/will occur without breach of biosecurity between accredited and non-accredited animals as detailed in the PSGHS rules is also required. The PSGHS will then issue clearance to add the animals to the flock or instructions to treat the animals as non-accredited as appropriate.

For animals that have already been added to accredited flocks without clearance from the PSGHS:

• Isolate them from accredited stock and supply certification of non-UK MV accreditation and declaration as above for PSGHS clearance as soon as possible.
• It is recommended to blood test them for MV. A negative result means there will not be loss of status for UK accredited animals that have been in contact in the flock and at show/sales even if accredited status for the imported animals cannot be granted.
• They will require an MV blood test 6 to 12 months post-import when at least 12 months old as per scheme rules, if they have not already had one.