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• National Genotype Programme (NGP)

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National Genotype Programme (NGP) (Voluntary Scheme)

NGP assists flock owners in selecting breeding sheep that are less susceptible to Scrapie. Orchid Cellmark Ltd. is the commercial laboratory approved by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to provide a blood testing service to determine the genotype of the sheep.

Participation in the NGP involves a flock owner applying to the Department to have NSIS identified sheep genotyped. S/he designates a Private Veterinary Practitioner to take blood samples. A "Lab- Form" containing details relating to the flock owner, the designated PVP and the tag numbers of the sheep to be tested will be generated and issued to the designated PVP.

The PVP in consultation with the flock owner chooses from the list of NGP approved laboratories, the laboratory in which s/he wishes to have the samples tested. The chosen laboratory is responsible for the supply of blood sampling kits and the instructions for use. The transfer of blood samples to the chosen laboratory is a matter between the flock owner, the PVP and the designated laboratory.

The laboratory transmits electronically to the Department the result of each individual test and the Department then issues the flock owner with an NGP Certificate that states the genotype of each of the sheep tested.

National Genotype Help-Line 1890-441-250