Md. Code Regs. 15.11.18.09

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 26, December 27, 2024

Section 15.11.18.09 - Management of Scrapie Suspect or Scrapie Positive Animals and Their Flocks

A. If a clinical or other scrapie suspect animal is reported by an owner, a veterinarian, or any other person, the following action shall be taken:

(1) The Department shall place the scrapie suspect animal and the flock under a hold order until the actual status of the animal is determined;

(2) A State or federal animal health official shall officially identify the suspect animal and the entire flock;

(3) The owner of the animal shall allow the Department to collect and submit tissues for diagnostic testing and scrapie genetic susceptibility testing from all animals in the flock to an authorized laboratory to conduct scrapie testing; and

(4) If the suspect animal is euthanized or dies, the Department shall ensure that appropriate tissues are collected for scrapie testing and that the carcass is completely destroyed by one of the following means:

(a) Proper disposal by the owner on the owner's premises; or

(b) Disposal of the carcass by the owner at a Department-approved facility.

B. When a scrapie positive animal is identified by an official test, the following action shall be taken:

(1) The Department shall place the scrapie positive animal and the flock under a hold order or other appropriate restriction until:

(a) An epidemiologic investigation is complete and the status of each animal in the flock is determined;

(b) The high risk animals die or are euthanized or removed to an approved research facility; and

(c) The lambing or kidding areas are cleaned and disinfected;

(2) A DSE, or any other appropriate official designated by the Department and APHIS-VS, shall conduct the epidemiologic investigation for scrapie;

(3) A State or federal animal health official shall officially identify the positive animal and entire flock;

(4) The owner of the animal shall allow a State or federal animal health official to collect and submit tissues for diagnostic testing from all animals in the flock to a laboratory authorized by APHIS-VS to conduct scrapie testing or scrapie genetic susceptibility testing; and

(5) If an animal is euthanized or dies, the Department shall ensure that appropriate tissues are collected for scrapie testing and that the carcass is completely destroyed by one of the following means:

(a) Proper disposal by the owner on the owner's premises; or

(b) Disposal of the carcass by the owner at a Department-approved facility.

Md. Code Regs. 15.11.18.09

Regulation .09 adopted effective 43:13 Md. R. 713, eff. 7/4/2016