Investigating incidence of scabby mouth during live export

Summary

This project reviewed the scabby mouth vaccination protocols in place for sheep travelling to Middle East markets. The review involved a comprehensive literature review followed by extensive industry consultation. A study to determine the prevalence of scabby mouth at three distinct points along the live export supply chain was then undertaken. The prevalence and the evidence and information obtained by the literature search provided an in depth understanding of the disease. This and the incident pattern determined from the prevalence study suggested that the existing protocol for sheep travelling to Saudi Arabia could be re-evaluated. 
The study recommends that, subject to the approval by appropriate authorities, a single vaccination strategy be considered to replace the current double vaccination strategy. In most instances this would entail a single vaccination at marking, however in the event that a vaccination at marking has not been administered, it is recommended that sheep should be vaccinated at least 21 days prior to delivery to the assemble facility. It is recommended that the disease prevention strategy embrace both the principles of exclusion and the principles of immunity. Any changes to the existing protocol should be conditional upon there being a stringent inspection procedure in place at the assembly facilities when sheep are delivered to the assembly facility coinciding with a research program to monitor and evaluate subsequent shipments. The study concluded that the development of a killed or virulent field strain vaccine administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously would have immediate industry application and that the industry monitors any developments in this regard.