Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 251 Adopted 20 May 2014

Procedures for Performing Surveillance, Control and Eradication of the Disease Maedi-Visna in Ovine Animals

Issued pursuant to
Section 25, Clause 17
of the Veterinary Medicine Law

1. General Provisions

1. The Regulation prescribes the measures for surveillance, control and eradication of the disease Maedi-Visna (hereinafter - Maedi-Visna) in ovine animals (hereinafter - animals).

2. Terms used in this Regulation:

2.1. suspicions regarding illness of an animal with Maedi-Visna - the animal has been fed with milk produced by a sheep ill with Maedi-Visna, or suspicious (unclear) result of serological testing has been obtained in laboratory testing of an animal in relation to Maedi-Visna, or the clinical changes characteristic to Maedi-Visna have been observed - inability to withstand the load, emaciation, dry cough, hind-leg weakness, ataxia, mastitis, arthritis;

2.2. animal ill with Maedi-Visna - an animal with a confirmed diagnosis of Maedi-Visna;

2.3. holding - a space, building, territory or part thereof, or a fenced area where animals are bred or kept;

2.4. main herd - ewes, breeding rams and all other sheep more than 12 months of age;

2.5. control sample - a blood serum sample taken from an animal during surveillance and control measures in order to perform serological testing thereof in a laboratory, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent;

2.6. sample of clinical or pathological material - tissue samples, which have been taken from an animal or dead animal during Maedi-Visna eradication measures;

2.7. MN-type holding - a holding, to which the Food and Veterinary Service (hereinafter - the Service) grants and retains an unknown Maedi-Visna status, if the health condition of animals and laboratory test results in relation to Maedi-Visna are not known on the day of granting the status;

2.8. MP-type holding - a holding, to which the Service grants and retains the status of a holding affected by Maedi-Visna, if the diagnosis of Maedi-Visna has been confirmed;

2.9. M1-type holding - a holding, to which the Service grants and retains the status of such a holding, at which animals are recuperating from falling ill with Maedi-Visna, if the holding has held the status of a MP-type holding and eradication measures have been taken therein, or all animals have been bred in the holding or brought in from a M1 or M2, or M3-type holding and surveillance and control measures are taken, applying for the status of a M2-type holding;

2.10. M2-type holding - a holding, to which the Service grants and retains the status of a Maedi-Visna-free holding, if in the current year animals in the holding have been serologically tested for Maedi-Visna and negative results have been obtained and the holding has retained the status of a M1-type holding for two years, or all animals have been bred in the holding or brought in from a M2 or M3-type holding and surveillance and control measures are taken in the holding, applying for the status of a M3-type holding;

2.11. M3-type holding - a holding, to which the Service grants and retains the status of an officially Maedi-Visna-free holding, if the holding has retained the status of a M2-type holding for two years, or all animals have been bred in the holding or brought in from a M3-type holding and surveillance and control measures are taken in order to retain the status of a M3-type holding.

[7 April 2015; 16 August 2016]

3. The Service shall:

3.1 draw up a programme for the surveillance and eradication of Maedi-Visna;

3.2. A decision to grant or not to grant, retain, suspend, renew or revoke the status of a MN, MP, M1, M2 or M3-type holding to a holding shall be taken in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Administrative Procedure Law.

4. Samples of control, clinical or pathological material shall be taken by a practising veterinarian and sent for laboratory testing to the State scientific institute "Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR"" (hereinafter - the Institute) or another accredited laboratory by a practising veterinarian, animal owner or holder.

5. The animal owner or holder shall cover expenses for taking samples of control, clinical or pathological material, sending and laboratory testing thereof.

6. The Institute or an accredited laboratory shall perform serological testing, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent, or virological testing, using laboratory diagnostic methods recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

7. After laboratory testing of the sample the Institute or the accredited laboratory shall send the results electronically or in printed form to:

7.1. the Agricultural Data Centre (hereinafter - the Data Centre);

7.2. the person who sent the sample;

7.3 the Service and the respective territorial unit thereof in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding infectious animal diseases subject to reporting, registration and State surveillance, and the procedures for informing the Service regarding such diseases, if positive result has been obtained.

8. If the animal owner, holder or practising veterinarian sends a sample for testing to an accredited laboratory in another state, the animal owner or holder shall, within two weeks after receipt of laboratory results, send the test results to the respective territorial unit of the Service.

9. After receipt of the laboratory results referred to in Paragraph 8 of this Regulation the respective territorial unit of the Service shall register them in the database of the Data Centre.

10. The animal owner or holder shall keep the laboratory test results for Maedi-Visna, after receipt thereof, electronically or in printed form for at least five years.

2. Surveillance and Control Measures of Maedi-Visna

11. The animal owner or holder shall apply with the Service, submitting a written application regarding granting the status of a M1, M2 or M3-type holding (Annex 1), if the conditions referred to in Paragraph 25, 28 or 31 of this Regulation are met. The following documents shall be appended to the application:

11.1. copies of test reports on laboratory tests performed in the holding for determination of Maedi-Visna, if the necessary laboratory tests are not available to the Service;

11.2. a copy of the veterinary (health) certificate, if animals have been brought in the Republic of Latvia (hereinafter - Latvia) from another European Union Member State (hereinafter - Member State) or a state, which is not a European Union Member State (hereinafter - third country), and the Service does not have access to information that the abovementioned animals have been brought in according to the requirements laid down for their bringing in into Latvia;

11.3. a certification regarding Maedi-Visna surveillance in a sheep herd or holding (hereinafter - certification) (Annex 2), which is issued by the competent authority of the Member State or third country, or the animal owner or holder in accordance with Paragraph 12 of this Regulation.

12. The certification shall be issued by:

12.1. the competent authority of the Member State or third country, from which animals are moved, if status in relation to Maedi-Visna surveillance is granted therein to holdings or herds;

12.2. the animal owner or holder, from whose holding animals are moved, if the competent authority of the respective Member State or third country does not grant status in relation to Maedi-Visna surveillance to holdings or herds.

13. If a sheep herd has been placed in several holdings, in which animals have different health status, the animal owner or holder shall ensure that:

13.1. animals with the same health status are located in each holding;

13.2. individual pasture is provided for animals held in each holding;

13.3. there is an individual equipment in each holding, which is not in direct contact with animals present in another holding;

13.4. animals with different health status have no possibility of interaction;

13.5. in moving animals to another pasture territory, they shall be moved to such pasture where animals with the same health condition are grazing.

14. The Service shall assess the documents referred to in Paragraph 11 of this Regulation and the conformity of the holding with the criteria referred to in Paragraph 25, 28 or 31 of this Regulation, and take one of the following decisions:

14.1. to grant the status of a M1, M2 or M3-type holding to the holding, notifying the decision to the animal owner or holder in writing;

14.2. not to grant the status of a M1, M2 or M3-type holding to the holding, providing a justified refusal in writing.

15. If a decision to grant the status of a M1, M2 or M3-type holding is taken, the Service shall, within three working days, register the status granted to the holding in the database of the Data Centre and indicate the date by which the next serological test must be performed.

16. The Data Centre shall prepare by 31 December of the current year and post on the public section of its website information for animal owners or holders and the Service regarding the holdings registered in the animal register, where the tests of control samples are required in the following year.

17. The Data Centre shall maintain on the public section of its website a current list regarding the animal holdings, to which the status of a MN, MP, M1, M2 or M3-type holding has been granted or retained, indicating the municipality, rural territory, and number of the holding.

18. After acquisition of the information referred to in Paragraph 16 of this Regulation the animal owner or holder shall ensure serological testing of the respective animals.

19. If it is provided for to bring animals from a MN, MP or M1-type holding to an event with the participation of animals of the same species from different holdings, the animal owner or holder shall, within 30 days prior to the event, ensure serological testing of such animals for Maedi-Visna, which are more than six months old and are brought to the event. It shall be permitted to bring animals to the event, if the serological results obtained are negative.

20. Organisers of the event referred to in Paragraph 19 of this Regulation have a duty to ensure that during the event animals from holdings of different status do not have the possibility of interaction and they are isolated from one another.

21. If animals from a holding with a lower status are placed in a M1, M2 or M3-type holding, such holding shall obtain the status of the holding, from which animals are brought in.

22. The Service shall act as follows in relation to the status of a MN, M1, M2 or M3-type holding:

22.1. suspend during confirmation of the Maedi-Visna diagnosis;

22.2. renew, if negative results have been obtained in two serological tests and tests have been performed with an interval of at least four months, but not less than 12 months, and Maedi-Visna diagnosis has not been confirmed.

23. The Service shall revoke the status of a M1, M2 or M3-type holding to a holding and grant:

23.1. the status of a MN-type holding, if the conditions for retaining the respective status of a holding referred to in Paragraph 26, 29 or 32 of this Regulation are not conformed to;

23.2. the status of a MP-type holding, if Maedi-Visna diagnosis is confirmed.

24. If the animal owner or holder performs Maedi-Visna surveillance and control measures or eradication measures and submits an application to the Service regarding granting the status of a MN, M1, M2 or M3-type holding (Annex 1), the Service may change the status of the holding:

24.1. from MP or MN-type holding to the status of a M1-type holding;

24.2. from M1-type holding to the status of a M2-type holding;

24.3. from M2-type holding to the status of a M3-type holding.

2.1. Measures to be Taken for a Holding to be Granted and Retained the Status of a M1-type Holding

25. The Service shall grant the status of a M1-type holding to a holding, if the animal owner or holder has met one of the following requirements:

25.1. Maedi-Visna eradication measures have been taken in the holding in accordance with the requirements referred to in Chapter 3 of this Regulation;

25.2. the animals have been bred or brought in the holding from a M1, M2 or M3-type holding or brought in from a holding or herd of another Member State or third country, to which the status of a Maedi-Visna-free holding or herd has been granted, or from a holding where all animals of the main herd have been serologically tested during the current year, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent, and the results obtained are negative, and it is indicated in the certification (Annex 2);

25.3. control samples from all animals of the main herd, which are more than 12 months old and are located in one holding, have been tested once a year and the results obtained are negative.

26. The Service shall retain the status of a M1-type holding for a holding, if the following requirements are conformed to:

26.1. the Maedi-Visna diagnosis has not been confirmed for the animals held in the holding during the time period of retaining the M1-type status;

26.2. control samples from all animals of the main herd, which are more than 12 months old and are located in one holding, have been tested once a year and the results obtained are negative;

26.3. caprine animals, which are more than 12 months old and which are held together with ovine animals, are tested serologically once a year, determining the specific antibodies against the agent of caprine viral arthritis-encephalitis, and the results obtained are negative;

26.4. the lamb is fed additionally with sheep's milk obtained from Maedi-Visna serologically negative sheep, or goat's milk obtained from caprine viral arthritis-encephalitis serologically negative goats;

26.5. such animals are held in the holding, which have been born or placed there from another holding in accordance with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 27 of this Regulation.

27. The animal owner or holder may place animals in the holding, which has been granted the status of a M1-type holding:

27.1. from a holding of the same status or from a holding, to which the status of a M2 or M3-type holding has been granted;

27.2. from a Member State or third country:

27.2.1. in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the veterinary requirements in the circulation of sheep and goats and the veterinary requirements for the circulation of such animals, which are not referred to in other laws and regulations regarding veterinary control, as well as in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 206/2010 of 12 March 2010 laying down lists of third countries, territories or parts thereof authorised for the introduction into the European Union of certain animals and fresh meat and the veterinary certification requirements (hereinafter - Regulation No 206/2010) and if control samples have been taken from the brought-in animals and tested no later than 30 days prior to or after their placement in the holding, and the results obtained are negative. The animal owner or holder shall isolate the animals, which have not been serologically tested prior to their placement in the holding, perform serological testing and, if the results obtained are negative, place them in the holding with other animals;

27.2.2. from a Maedi-Visna-free holding or a herd, or from a holding where all animals of the main herd have been serologically tested in the current year, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent, and the results obtained are negative, and it is indicated in the certification (Annex 2).

2.2. Measures to be Taken for a Holding to be Granted and Retained the Status of a M2-type Holding

28. The Service shall grant the status of a M2-type holding for a holding, if the following requirements are conformed to:

28.1. control samples from all animals in the main herd, which are more than 12 months old and are located in one holding, have been tested in the current year, and the results obtained are negative, as well as the status of a M1-type holding has been retained for the holding for two years;

28.2. the animals have been brought in the holding from a M2 or M3-type holding or brought in from a holding or herd of another Member State or third country, to which the status of a Maedi-Visna-free holding or herd has been granted, or from a holding where all animals of the main herd have been serologically tested two years in succession, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent, and the results obtained are negative, and it is indicated in the certification (Annex 2).

29. The Service shall retain the status of a M2-type holding for a holding, if the following requirements are conformed to:

29.1. the Maedi-Visna diagnosis has not been confirmed for the animals held in the holding;

29.2. control samples from all animals of the main herd, which are more than 12 months old and are located in one holding, have been tested once a year and the results obtained are negative;

29.3. caprine animals, which are more than 12 months old and which are held together with ovine animals, are tested serologically once a year, determining the specific antibodies against the agent of caprine viral arthritis-encephalitis, and the results obtained are negative;

29.4. the lamb is fed additionally with sheep's milk obtained from Maedi-Visna serologically negative sheep, or goat's milk obtained from caprine viral arthritis-encephalitis serologically negative goats;

29.5. such animals are held in the holding, which have been born or placed there from another holding in accordance with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 30 of this Regulation.

30. The animal owner or holder may place animals in the holding, which has been granted the status of a M2-type holding:

30.1. from a holding of the same status or from a holding, to which the status of a M3-type holding has been granted;

30.2. from a Member State or third country:

30.2.1. in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the veterinary requirements in the circulation of sheep and goats and the veterinary requirements for the circulation of such animals, which are not referred to in other laws and regulations regarding veterinary control, as well as in accordance with Regulation No 206/2010 and if control samples have been taken from the brought-in animals and tested no later than 30 days prior to or after their placement in the holding, and the results obtained are negative. The animal owner or holder shall isolate the animals, which have not been serologically tested prior to their placement in the holding, perform serological testing and, if the results obtained are negative, place them in the holding with other animals;

30.2.2. from a Maedi-Visna-free holding or herd, or from a holding where all animals of the main herd have been serologically tested two years in succession, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent, and the results obtained are negative, and it is indicated in the certification (Annex 2).

2.3. Measures to be Taken for a Holding to be Granted and Retained the Status of a M3-type Holding

31. The Service shall grant the status of a M3-type holding for a holding, if the following requirements are conformed to:

31.1. the holding has been previously retained the status of a M2-type holding for two years;

31.2. the animals have been brought in from a holding, to which the status of a M3-type holding has been determined, or from a holding or herd of another Member State or third country, to which the status of an officially Maedi-Visna-free holding or herd has been granted, or from a holding where all animals of the main herd have been serologically tested three years in succession, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent, and the results obtained are negative, and it is indicated in the certification (Annex 2).

32. The Service shall retain the status of a M3-type holding for a holding, if the following requirements are conformed to:

32.1. the Maedi-Visna diagnosis has not been confirmed for the animals held in the holding;

32.2. control samples from all animals of the main herd, which are more than 12 months old and are located in one holding, have been tested once in three years, and the results obtained are negative;

32.3. caprine animals, which are more than 12 months old and which are held together with ovine animals, are tested serologically once a year, determining the specific antibodies against the agent of caprine viral arthritis-encephalitis, and the results obtained are negative;

32.4. the lamb is fed additionally with sheep's milk obtained from Maedi-Visna serologically negative sheep, or goat's milk obtained from caprine viral arthritis-encephalitis serologically negative goats;

32.5. such animals are held in the holding, which have been born or placed there from another holding in accordance with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 33 of this Regulation.

33. The animal owner or holder may place animals in the holding, which has been granted the status of a M3-type holding:

33.1. from a holding of the same status;

33.2. from a Member State or third country:

33.2.1. in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the veterinary requirements in the circulation of sheep and goats and the veterinary requirements for the circulation of such animals, which are not referred to in other laws and regulations regarding veterinary control, as well as in accordance with Regulation No 206/2010 and if control samples have been taken from the brought-in animals and tested no later than 30 days prior to or after their placement in the holding, and the results obtained are negative. The animal owner or holder shall isolate the animals, which have not been serologically tested prior to their placement in the holding, perform serological testing and, if the results obtained are negative, place them in the holding with other animals;

33.2.2. from an officially Maedi-Visna-free holding or herd, or from a holding where all animals of the main herd have been serologically tested two years in succession, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent, and the results obtained are negative, and it is indicated in the certification (Annex 2).

3. Maedi-Visna Eradication Measures

34. If there are suspicions in a holding regarding an animal falling ill with Maedi-Visna or an animal ill with Maedi-Visna is detected, the animal owner or holder who wishes that the holding is granted the status of a M1, M2 or M3-type holding, shall meet the conditions referred to in Paragraphs 35, 36, 37, 40, and 43 of this Regulation.

35. The animal owner or keeper:

35.1. shall ensure that during epidemiological testing the animal, which is ill with Maedi-Visna or there are suspicions regarding it being ill with Maedi-Visna, does not come into contact with other animals in the holding, which has other status of a holding;

35.2. may not feed the milk, which has been produced by an animal, which is ill with Maedi-Visna or there are suspicions regarding it being ill with Maedi-Visna, to the animals held in a M1, M2 or M3-type holding, if such milk has not been heat-treated, ensuring destruction of the Maedi-Visna agent;

35.3. if there are suspicions regarding an animal having fallen ill with Maedi-Visna, then such animal, as well as the animal ill with Maedi-Visna and its progeny, which is less than 12 months old, shall be sent to a holding, in which animals to be fattened are held, within two weeks after confirming the diagnosis, or to a slaughterhouse for slaughtering.

36. If an animal, which is ill with Maedi-Visna or there are suspicions regarding it being ill with Maedi-Visna, has been in contact with other healthy animals in the holding, all the animals remaining the holding, which are more than 12 months old, shall be serologically tested, determining the specific antibodies against Maedi-Visna agent. The holding shall be deemed as Maedi-Visna unaffected, if negative results have been obtained in two serological tests and the tests were performed with an interval of at least four months, but not more than 12 months.

37. The animal owner or holder shall, within five working days, inform a practising veterinarian or the respective territorial unit of the Service regarding the commenced Maedi-Visna eradication measures.

38. Upon request of the animal owner or holder the respective territorial unit of the Service shall organise epidemiological testing in order to discover the potential infected and epidemiologically connected holdings, the animals held in which have come into contact with an animal ill with Maedi-Visna.

39. During epidemiological testing the respective territorial unit of the Service, if necessary, shall create a working group of experts, inviting veterinarians practising in the field of sheep farming and specialists of the Veterinary Medicine Faculty of the Latvia University of Agriculture, in order to determine the necessary Maedi-Visna eradication measures at infected and epidemiologically connected holdings.

40. If the animal owner or holder of epidemiologically connected holdings wishes that the holding is granted or retained the status of a M1, M2 or M3-type holding, he or she shall ensure serological testing of such animals, which are more than 12 months old, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent. The holding shall be deemed as Maedi-Visna unaffected, if negative results have been obtained in two serological tests and the tests were performed with an interval of at least four months, but not more than 12 months.

41. During epidemiological testing a practising veterinarian or an inspector of the Service, if necessary, may take a sample of clinical or pathological material from an animal, regarding which suspicions regarding having falling ill with Maedi-Visna exist, and send it for laboratory testing to the Institute or another accredited laboratory for determination of the Maedi-Visna diagnosis in accordance with the conditions referred to in Paragraph 42 of this Regulation.

42. The Maedi-Visna may be confirmed:

42.1. in holdings of the MN, MP, M1-type status, if positive result of serological tests has been obtained in a laboratory, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent;

42.2. in holdings of M2 or M3-type status, if the following has been obtained in a laboratory:

42.1.1. a positive result of serological testing, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent;

42.2.2. a positive result of virological testing, determining the Maedi-Visna agent.

43. The animal owner or holder shall perform the following actions for renewal of the herd:

43.1. bring in animals in a holding of the M1-type status in accordance with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 27 of this Regulation;

43.2. bring in animals in a holding of the M2-type status in accordance with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 30 of this Regulation;

43.3. bring in animals in a holding of the M3-type status in accordance with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 33 of this Regulation.

4. Closing Provisions

44. In order to grant the status of a M1-type holding in 2014 and 2015, the animal owner or holder shall submit an application to the Service regarding granting the status of a M1-type holding (Annex 3), if serological testing for Maedi-Visna has been performed within a year and negative results have been obtained.

[7 April 2015]

45. In order to grant the status of a M2-type holding in 2014 and 2015, the animal owner or holder shall submit an application to the Service regarding granting the status of a M2-type holding (Annex 3), if serological testing for Maedi-Visna has been performed in the current year and two years before, and negative results have been obtained.

[7 April 2015]

46. In order to grant the status of a M3-type holding in 2014, the animal owner or holder shall submit an application to the Service regarding granting the status of a M3-type holding (Annex 3), if:

46.1. each year from 2006 to 2009 all animals of the main herd have undergone serological testing for Maedi-Visna, and negative results have been obtained;

46.2. in 2010 and 2011 all animals of the main herd have randomly undergone serological testing for Maedi-Visna, and negative results have been obtained;

46.3. in 2012 and 2013 all animals of the main herd have randomly undergone serological testing for Maedi-Visna, and negative results have been obtained;

46.4. the animals therein have been placed from a holding where the animals held have been performed the serological tests referred to in Sub-paragraphs 46.1, 46.2, and 46.3 of this Regulation, and negative results have been obtained.

46.¹ In order to grant the status of a M3-type holding in 2015, the animal owner or holder shall submit an application to the Service regarding granting the status of a M3-type holding (Annex 3), if within a time period of five years until the moment of submitting the application the following requirements have been met:

46.¹ 1. all animals of the main herd have randomly undergone serological testing for Maedi-Visna for two years in succession, and negative results have been obtained;

46.¹ 2. all animals of the main herd have undergone serological testing for Maedi-Visna in the subsequent three years, and negative results have been obtained.

[7 April 2015]

47. The animal owner or holder shall submit the application referred to in Paragraph 44, 45 or 46 of this Regulation to the Service by 1 August 2014. Copies of test reports on the serological tests performed on animals shall be appended to the application.

47.¹ The animal owner or holder shall submit the application referred to in Paragraph 44, 45 or 46¹ of this Regulation to the Service by 31 October 2015. Copies of test reports on the serological tests performed on animals shall be appended to the application.

[7 April 2015]

48. The Service shall determine the conformity of the holding with the respective status, assessing the application referred to in Paragraph 44, 45, 46 or 46¹ of this Regulation, and take one of the following decisions:

48.1. to grant the status of a M1, M2 or M3-type holding to the holding, notifying the decision to the animal owner or holder in writing;

48.2. not to grant the status of a M1, M2 or M3-type holding to the holding, providing a justified refusal in writing.

[7 April 2015]

49. In relation to animal holdings, regarding which an application according to Annex 3 to this Regulation regarding granting the status of a M1, M2 or M3-type holding has not been received by 1 August 2014, the Service shall, by 1 September 2014, take a decision to grant the status of a MN-type holding.

49.¹ If an application according to Annex 3 to this Regulation regarding granting the status of a M1, M2 or M3-type holding to a holding has not been received by 31 October 2015, the Service shall, by 30 November 2015, take a decision to grant the status of a MN-type holding.

[7 April 2015]

50. The Service shall, by 30 November 2015, notify the Data Centre regarding the status granted to animal holdings in accordance with Sub-paragraph 48.1, as well as Paragraph 49 and Sub-paragraph 49.1 of this Regulation and the criteria for selecting the necessary control samples, and the Data Centre shall register the granted status and the final date of the next necessary serological tests in the database of the Data Centre by 15 December 2015.

[7 April 2015]

51. The Data Centre shall, by 15 December 2015, prepare and post on the public section of its website information for animal owners or holders and the Service regarding the holdings registered in the animal register, where the tests of control samples are required for animals in the following year.

[7 April 2015]

52. After acquisition of the information referred to in Paragraph 51 of this Regulation the animal owner or holder shall ensure the serological testing of the respective animals in 2015 and 2016.

[7 April 2015]

53. If it is provided for to bring animals in 2014 and 2015 to an event with the participation of animals of the same species from different holdings, which have not been granted the status of a M2 or M3-type holding yet, the animal owner or holder shall, within 30 days prior to the event, ensure serological testing of such animals for Maedi-Visna, which are more than six months old and are brought to the event. It shall be permitted to bring animals to the event, if the serological results obtained are negative.

[7 April 2015]

54. The organisers of the event referred to in Paragraph 53 of this Regulation have a duty to ensure that during events animals with different health condition are isolated from one another and they do not have the possibility of coming into contact with each other.

55. The Regulation shall come into force on 1 June 2014.

Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma

Acting for the Minister for Agriculture -
Minister for Welfare Uldis Augulis

 

Annex 1
Cabinet Regulation No. 251
20 May 2014

Application
for Granting the Status of a MN, M1, M2 or M3-type Holding

1. Given name and surname or name of a legal person (in capital letters)

2. Address of the declared place of residence of a natural person or legal address of a legal person (capital letters)

3. Contact details:

3.1. telephone number or mobile phone number
3.2. fax number
3.3. e-mail address

4. Registration number in the Commercial Register or the Enterprise Register

L

V

5. Registration number of the herd in the register of the Agricultural Data Centre

L

V

6. Registration number of the holding in the register of the Agricultural Data Centre*

L

V

7. Address of the actual location of the holding intended for granting of the status

8. The purpose of holding sheep in the holding (mark as appropriate):

fattening

breeding

9. Information regarding the sheep holding:

9.1. sheep recording is performed in the holding:

no

yes

9.2. the holding has received the status of a farm at the Agricultural Data Centre for breeding a sheep breed:

no

yes

10. To grant the following status to the holding:

10.1. the status of a MN-type holding (unknown Maedi-Visna status)

Whether any animal has been serologically tested in the holding for Maedi-Visna and positive result has been obtained, or this animal was sent to the slaughterhouse or moved to a holding where animals to fattened are held:

yes, has been sent to the slaughterhouse

yes, has been moved to another holding where animals to be fattened are kept

animal has not been moved

10.2. the status of a M1-type holding (a holding where animals are recuperating from Maedi-Visna):

10.2.1. if Maedi-Visna diagnosis has been confirmed, or Maedi-Visna eradication measures have been taken in the holding:

no

yes

10.2.2. whether animals:

a) have been bred in their holding:

no

yes

b) have been brought in from a M1, M2 or M3-type holding:

no

yes (indicate from what type of holding) ___________________________

c) have been brought in from a holding or herd of another European Union Member State or from a third country, which is not a European Union Member State, the holding or herd having being granted the status of a Maedi-Visna-free holding or herd:

no

yes

d) have been brought in from a holding, in which all animals of the main herd are serologically tested each year, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent, and the results obtained are negative:

no

yes

10.2.3. if animals are brought in the holding from another European Union Member State or from a third country, which is not a European Union Member State:

10.2.3.1. indicate, from which country animals have been brought in, as well as the number and date of the veterinary (health) certificate***:

10.2.3.2. whether a Maedi-Visna surveillance programme exists in the country:

I do not know

no

yes

10.2.3.3. indicate whether a certification from the Member State or third country has been completed regarding Maedi-Visna surveillance in a sheep herd or holding (Annex 2):

no

yes**** _____________________________________________

10.2.3.4. whether the animals brought in the holding:

a) were isolated:

no

yes

b) have been serologically tested for Maedi-Visna and negative results have been obtained:

no

yes (indicate the number, date, method and results of the test report)**:

10.2.4. whether:

a) all animals of the main herd, which are more than 12 months old, have undergone serological tests for Maedi-Visna in the current year:

no

yes

b) animals are located in one holding:

no

yes

c) the results of serological tests are negative:

no

yes (indicate the number, date, method and results of the test report)**:

10.2.5. whether sheep are kept together with caprine animals, or animals, which are more than 12 months old, have been serologically tested for caprine viral arthritis-encephalitis once a year, and negative results have been obtained:

no

yes (indicate the number, date, method and results of the test report)**

10.2.6. if lambs in the holding are additionally fed with sheep's or goat's milk, or lambs are fed with sheep's milk, which has been obtained from Maedi-Visna serologically negative sheep, or with goat's milk, which has been obtained from caprine viral arthritis-encephalitis serologically negative goats:

no

yes

10.3. the status of a M2-type holding (status of a Maedi-Visna-free holding):

10.3.1. whether animals:

a) have been bred in their holding:

no

yes

b) have been brought in from a M2 or M3-type holding:

no

yes

c) have been brought in from a holding or herd of another European Union Member State or from a third country, to which the status of a Maedi-Visna-free holding or herd has been granted:

no

yes

d) have been brought in from a holding, in which all animals of the main herd have been serologically tested two years in succession, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent, and the results obtained are negative:

no

yes

10.3.2. if animals are brought in the holding from another European Union Member State or from a third country:

10.3.2.1. indicate, from which country animals have been brought in, as well as the number and date of the veterinary (health) certificate***:

10.3.2.2. whether a Maedi-Visna surveillance programme exists in the country:

I do not know

no

yes

10.3.2.3. indicate whether a certification from the Member State or third country has been completed regarding Maedi-Visna surveillance in a sheep herd or holding (Annex 2):

no

yes**** _____________________________________________

10.3.2.4. whether the animals brought in the holding:

a) were isolated:

no

yes

b) have been serologically tested for Maedi-Visna and negative results have been obtained:

no

yes (indicate the number, date, method and results of the test report)**:

10.3.3. whether:

a) all animals of the main herd, which are more than 12 months old, have undergone serological tests for Maedi-Visna in the current year:

no

yes

b) animals are located in one holding:

no

yes

c) the results of serological tests are negative:

no

yes (indicate the number, date, method and results of the test report)**:

d) the status of a M1-type holding has been retained for two years:

no

yes

10.3.4. whether sheep are kept together with caprine animals, or animals, which are more than 12 months old, have been serologically tested for caprine viral arthritis-encephalitis once a year, and negative results have been obtained:

no

yes (indicate the number, date, method and results of the test report)**:

10.3.5. if lambs in the holding are additionally fed with sheep's or goat's milk, or lambs are fed with sheep's milk, which has been obtained from Maedi-Visna serologically negative sheep, or with goat's milk, which has been obtained from caprine viral arthritis-encephalitis serologically negative goats:

no

yes

10.4. the status of a M3-type holding (the status of an officially Maedi-Visna-free holding):

10.4.1. whether animals:

a) have been bred in their holding:

no

yes

b) have been brought in from a M3-type holding:

no

yes

c) have been brought in from a holding or herd of another European Union Member State or from a third country to which the status of an officially Maedi-Visna-free holding or herd has been granted:

no

yes

d) have been brought in from a holding, in which all animals of the main herd have been serologically tested three years in succession, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent, and the results obtained are negative:

no

yes

10.4.2. if animals are brought in the holding from another European Union Member State or from a third country:

10.4.2.1. indicate, from which country animals have been brought in, as well as the number and date of the veterinary (health) certificate***:

10.4.2.2. whether a Maedi-Visna surveillance programme exists in the country:

I do not know

no

yes

10.4.2.3. indicate whether a certification from the Member State or third country has been completed regarding Maedi-Visna surveillance in a sheep herd or holding (Annex 2):

no

yes**** _____________________________________________

10.4.2.4. whether the animals brought in the holding:

a) were isolated:

no

yes

b) have been serologically tested for Maedi-Visna and negative results have been obtained:

no

yes (indicate the number, date, method and results of the test report)**:

10.4.3. the status of a M2-type holding has been retained for the holding for two years:

no

yes (indicate the date, from which the status of a M2-type holding was granted) _____________________________________________

10.4.4. whether sheep are kept together with caprine animals, or animals, which are more than 12 months old, have been serologically tested for caprine viral arthritis-encephalitis once a year and negative results have been obtained:

no

yes (indicate the number, date, method and results of the test report)**:

10.4.5. if lambs in the holding are additionally fed with sheep's or goat's milk, or lambs are fed with sheep's milk, which has been obtained from Maedi-Visna serologically negative sheep, or with goat's milk, which has been obtained from caprine viral arthritis-encephalitis serologically negative goats:

no

yes

11. Sheep and goats are held in the holding (indicate according to animal species the total number of such animals, which are more than 12 months old)

12. Whether sheep herd has been placed (is located) in several holdings:

no

yes (indicate the number of holdings and the status granted to holdings, if any):

13. If there are several holdings with different status in the sheep herd, indicate:

13.1. whether each holding has been registered with the register of the Agricultural Data Centre:

no

yes (indicate the registration number of each holding in the register of the Agricultural Data Centre)

13.2. whether individual pasture is provided for animals held in each holding:

no

yes

13.3. whether there is an individual equipment in each holding, which is not in direct contact with animals present in another holding:

no

yes

14. Whether animals have been moved from the holding to another pasture territory, in which ovine or caprine animals of another herd are grazing:

no

yes (indicate, if the status granted to the holdings of such herds is known)

(date*****)

(given name, surname)		(signature****)

To be filled in by an official of the Food and Veterinary Service

To grant the holding

the status of a ____-type holding

(date*****)

(given name, surname)		(signature****)

Notes.
1. * Also indicate the internal number assigned by the herd owner or holder, if such has been assigned.
2. ** Append copies of test reports.
3. *** Append a copy of the veterinary (health) certificate.
4. **** Append a copy of the certification.
5. ***** The details of the document "date" and "signature" need not be completed, if the electronic document has been drawn up in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding drawing up of electronic documents.

Acting for the Minister for Agriculture -
Minister for Welfare Uldis Augulis

 

Annex 2
Cabinet Regulation No. 251
20 May 2014

Certification
Regarding Maedi-Visna Surveillance in a Sheep Herd or Holding

____ __________________ 20____

I. Certification

By this certification it is notified to the Food and Veterinary Service of the Republic of Latvia (the competent authority) that an animal (animals) of sheep species has (have) been brought into the Republic of Latvia, which is (are) from a holding/herd (mark as appropriate):

1. In which all animals of the main herd (ewe(s), breeding ram(s) and other sheep more than 12 months old) have been serologically tested the last three years in succession, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent, and the results obtained are negative.

The information to be additionally indicated regarding Maedi-Visna surveillance in the last three years:

Date of sample-taking	Numbers of tested samples and results	Number of tested animals and number of the test report, date of issue*
1.
2.
3.

2. In which all animals of the main herd (ewe(s), breeding ram(s) and other sheep more than 12 months old) have been serologically tested the last two years in succession, determining the specific antibodies against the Maedi-Visna agent, and the results obtained are negative.

The information to be additionally indicated regarding Maedi-Visna surveillance in the last two years:

Date of sample-taking	Numbers of tested samples and results	Number of tested animals and number of the test report, date of issue*
1.
2.

3. To which the status of an officially Maedi-Visna-free holding or her has been granted.

Information to be additionally indicated:

3.1. regarding Maedi-Visna surveillance in the last three years:

Date of sample-taking	Numbers of tested samples and results	Number of tested animals and number of the test report, date of issue*
1.
2.
3.

3.2. The date when the status of an officially Maedi-Visna-free holding or herd was granted

4. To which the status of a Maedi-Visna-free holding or herd has been granted.

Information to be additionally indicated:

4.1. regarding Maedi-Visna surveillance in the last two years:

Date of sample-taking	Numbers of tested samples and results	Number of tested animals and number of the test report, date of issue*
1.
2.

4.2. the date when the status of a Maedi-Visna-free holding or herd was granted

5. To which any other status of a holding or herd has been granted, except the status referred to in Paragraph 3 or 4 of this Chapter.

Information to be additionally indicated:

5.1. regarding Maedi-Visna surveillance in the last years:

Date of sample-taking	Numbers of tested samples and results	Number of tested animals and number of the test report, date of issue*
1.

5.2. name of the status _____________________________________________

5.3. the date when the status of a holding or herd was granted __________________

II. Information regarding animal owner or holder and herd

1. Given name and surname of the animal owner or name of a legal person (in capital letters)

2. Address of the declared place of residence of a natural person or legal address of a legal person (capital letters)

3. Contact information of a natural or legal person:

3.1. telephone number or mobile phone number
3.2. fax number
3.3. e-mail address

4. Address of the actual location of animals, if different from the address referred to in Paragraph 2 of this Chapter (in capital letters)

5. Herd registration number

6. The purpose of holding sheep in a herd (mark as appropriate):

fattening

breeding

Authorised veterinarian (if the competent authority grants the status to holdings or herds in relation to Maedi-Visna surveillance and the laboratory results obtained):

place of employment
given name, surname
signature**		Place for a seal

or

animal owner/holder (if the competent authority does not grant the status to holdings or herds in relation to Maedi-Visna surveillance and the laboratory results obtained):

given name, surname
signature**

Notes.
1. * Append copies of test reports.
2. ** The details of the document "date" and "signature" need not be completed if the electronic document has been prepared in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the drawing up of electronic documents.

Acting for the Minister for Agriculture -
Minister for Welfare Uldis Augulis

 

Annex 3
Cabinet Regulation No. 251
20 May 2014

[7 April 2015]

Application
for Granting the Status of a M1, M2 or M3-type Holding in 2014 and 2015

1. Given name and surname or name of a legal person (in capital letters)

2. Address of the declared place of residence of a natural person or legal address of a legal person (capital letters)

3. Contact details:

3.1. telephone number or mobile phone number
3.2. fax number
3.3. e-mail address

4. Registration number in the Commercial Register or the Enterprise Register

L

V

5. Registration number of the herd in the register of the Agricultural Data Centre

L

V

6. Registration number of the holding in the register of the Agricultural Data Centre*

L

V

7. Address of the actual location of the holding intended for granting of the status

8. The purpose of holding sheep in the holding (mark as appropriate):

fattening

breeding

9. Information regarding the sheep holding:

9.1. sheep recording is performed in the holding:

no

yes

9.2. the holding has received the status of a farm at the Agricultural Data Centre for breeding a sheep breed:

yes

no

10. To grant the following status to the holding (mark as appropriate):

10.1. the status of a M1-type holding (a holding where animals are recuperating from Maedi-Visna):

10.1.1. whether serological testing of animals of the main herd for Maedi-Visna has been performed:

no

yes

10.1.2. the results of serological tests are negative:

no

yes (indicate the number, date, method and results of the test report)**:

10.2. the status of a M2-type holding (status of a Maedi-Visna-free holding):

10.2.1. whether serological testing of animals of the main herd for Maedi-Visna has been performed in the current year and two years before:

no

yes

10.2.2. whether the results of serological tests are negative:

no

yes (indicate the number, date, method and results of the test report)**:

10.3. the status of a M3-type holding in 2014 (the status of an officially Maedi-Visna-free holding):

10.3.1. whether serological testing of all animals of the main herd for Maedi-Visna has been performed each year:

a) from 2006 to 2009;

b) in 2010 and 2011 by sampling;

c) in 2012 and 2013:

no

yes (indicate the number, date, method and results of the test report)**:

10.3.2. if the holding is less than six years old, whether the animals placed therein have been placed from a holding, the animals in which have undergone the serological testing referred to in Sub-paragraph 10.3.1, and negative results have been obtained:

no

yes (indicate the holding number)

10.4. the status of a M3-type holding in 2015 (the status of an officially Maedi-Visna-free holding):

10.4.1. whether serological testing has been performed in a time period of five years until submitting the application:

a) two years in succession for animals of the main herd randomly;

b) in the subsequent three years for all animals of the main herd:

no

yes

10.4.2. whether the results of serological tests are negative:

no

yes (indicate the number, date, method and results of the test report)**:

11. Sheep and goats are held in the holding (indicate according to animal species the total number of such animals, which are more than 12 months old)

12. Whether sheep herd has been placed (is located) in several holdings:

no

yes (indicate the number of holdings and the status granted to the holding, if any)

13. If there are several holdings with different status in the sheep herd:

13.1. whether each holding has been registered with the register of the Agricultural Data Centre:

no

yes (indicate the registration number of each holding in the register of the Agricultural Data Centre)

13.2. whether individual pasture is provided for animals held in each holding:

no

yes

13.3. whether there is an individual equipment in each holding, which is not in direct contact with animals present in another holding:

no

yes

14. Whether animals have been moved from the holding to another pasture territory, in which sheep or goats of another herd are grazing:

no

yes (indicate, if the status granted to the holdings of such herds is known)

(date***)

(given name, surname)		(signature***)

To be filled in by an official of the Food and Veterinary Service

To grant the holding

the status of a ____-type holding

(date***)

(given name, surname)		(signature***)

Notes.
1. * Also indicate the internal number assigned by the herd owner or holder, if such has been assigned.
2. ** Append copies of test reports.
3. *** The details of the document "date" and "signature" need not be completed if the electronic document has been prepared in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the drawing up of electronic documents.

Acting for the Minister for Agriculture -
Minister for Welfare Uldis Augulis

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