A limited indemnity program was conducted from January 8, 1993, through July 7, 1993.

A total of $1,016,300 in indemnity payments were made for 8,952 animals in 96 flocks. Seventy-nine flocks were totally depopulated. Partial depopulation involving only high-risk animals was carried out in 11 of the flocks. In the remaining six flocks, a single animal was purchased for diagnostic purposes.

Seventy-nine of the flocks that were completely or partially depopulated were known to be infected or source flocks prior to outset of the indemnity program. Approximately 180 flocks were known to be infected or source flocks when the program began.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, confirmed 139 cases of Scrapie during fiscal year 1993 which included 110 newly identified flocks. Thirty-one of these confirmed cases were with the PrP test.

Quarterly reports for infected, source, and enrolled flocks are currently being submitted. The most recent, complete information is for the period ending December 31, 1993, when there were a total of 73 infected flocks in 19 States. There were also eight source flocks from six states.

Sixty flocks from 16 states were participating in the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program (VSFCP) by December 31, 1993. States with 4 or more enrolled flocks are: California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Ohio, and Oregon. Sixteen of these 60 flocks enrolled contingent upon acceptance of indemnity.

The year 1993 may be characterized as fluid for the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program. Many changes occurred during the Program’s first year in effect. The most notable program changes for 1993 were:

1. Proposed regulation changes regarding infected and source flocks;

2. The stepwise introduction of the Scrapie Information System (SIS); and

3. Recognition of flank tattoos, ear tattoos and electronic identification as identification.

The two proposed changes for source and infected flocks are:

1. Change the required S-mark to the use of VS Form 1-27 and a sealed conveyance for animals less than 1 year of age moving only in slaughter channels; and

2. Permitting tattoos to be used instead of electronic identification for regulation requirements for source and infected flocks.

The SIS was introduced in the later part of 1993 with full utilization to happen after April 1, 1994. The system which will maintain both flock status and individual animal records, was first made available as Phase 1 which dealt only with flock statuses. After three training courses on the use of SIS, Phase 2, which is the individual animal record component, will be installed in participating Veterinary Services’ Area Offices.

Access to the SIS will initially be only through the National or Area Offices. Access through a nationwide "800" telephone line is being developed.

Electronic identification is now recognized as one of three means of official identification for the Voluntary Scrapie Certification Program. The other two forms of official identification are ear and flank tattoos. All three forms of identification are permanent for the program. Electronic identification may be used by an enrolled producer with the following stipulations:

1. When needed, a reader would be made available by the producer.

1. The transponder and reader would be compatible with the international standards when these standards are developed and adopted. Incompatible transponders/readers will be required to be replaced with ones which are compatible with the standards.