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a.)
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An
official test requires the following: |
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i.
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All official serological samples for any MV testing must be collected by, or their collection supervised by one of the following: | |||
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(1)
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A licensed veterinarian. | |||
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(2)
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An animal health or veterinary technician (AHT) employed by and directly supervised by a licensed veterinarian. | |||
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(3)
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Not the owner or manager, spouse, immediate relative or employee of the owner or manager of the flock, even if he or she is a licensed veterinarian or AHT may supervise the collection of the samples, although they may participate in the sample collection. | |||
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b.)
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Sample collection and record keeping: | |||
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i.
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For the "Whole Flock" program, all sheep and goats 180 days of age or greater that reside at the flock premise on the date of the test must be sampled. | |||
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(1)
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One exception are sheep that are isolated from the flock and will be sent for slaughter within 30 days of the test date. | |||
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(a)
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e.g. market lambs >= 180 days of age. | |||
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(b)
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e.g. adults marked for culling. | |||
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ii.
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For the "Monitored Flock" program, a random sample selected from all sheep and goats 365 days of age or greater that reside at the flock premise on the date of the test must be sampled. | |||
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iii.
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A minimum of 5 mL of whole clotted blood or 2 mL serum or plasma to be collected by venipuncture per sheep tested. Each tube must be clearly and uniquely identified. | |||
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iv.
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Ensure correct identification of the sheep and goats and record this ID with the corresponding correct tube number on an official OMVFSP form (Appendix 5) | |||
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v.
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Complete entirely and properly the OMVFSP form. | |||
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vi.
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Initiate rapid transport the the coagulated blood and all required documents to the official laboratory within 24 hrs of sampling. Ensure that the blood will remain chilled but not frozen during transport. If serum is separated prior to shipping, it may be frozen. | |||
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vii.
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All sheep and lambs not sampled that reside on the farm on the date of test must be identified as set out in this protocol, and that ID recorded on an official OMVFSP form. | |||
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c.)
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All official forms must be signed by a licensed veterinarian verifying that the samples were obtained from the animals identified on the form, that all sheep and lambs were correctly identified and those ID's recorded, and that the protocols for the OMVFSP have been followed. | |||
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d.)
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AS
OF MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 To
contact Dr. Major: |
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