The WVSC has joined forces with the National Sheep Association (NSA) Wales to help sheep farmers identify and control iceberg diseases. Iceberg diseases are so named because it is likely that the vast majority of infected stock remain hidden and that those sheep with visible signs or symptoms represent just the tip of the problem.
Iceberg diseases are difficult to control. Clinical signs and symptoms are often mild and vague at the start of the disease process. Animals may not appear to be ill until the disease is severe and has had an opportunity to spread throughout the flock. These diseases are passed from sheep to sheep and buying in sheep always carries a risk.
About the Enferplex Test:-
Funding from NSA Cymru has allowed the WVSC to establish the Enferplex testing platform. Enferplex detects antibodies in blood to determine whether an animal has been exposed to a disease. A 30 ewe screen is recommended. Enferplex can assess several diseases at the same time.
Diseases included are Maedi Visna (MV), Contagious Lymphadenitis (CLA) and Johne’s
disease (MAP). MV and Johnes have long incubation periods, and it can be several years before sheep show signs of disease.
A portion of the funding received from NSA Cymru has allowed the WVSC to offer a 10%
discount to the first tranche of NSA members wishing to use the test. Enferplex is a flock screen test and this is reflected in the pricing structure.
Flat rate block prices are as follows:
Flat rate price for up to 15 samples is £285
Flat rate price for 16-30 samples is £375
£1125 for a full plate of 90 samples
The test can be funded through the Farming Connect Advisory Service. Alternatively, if an FUW member is also a member of the NSA then they will get a 10% discount.
For more information, or to book a test, please contact the WVSC using the details provided below:
Wales Veterinary
Science Centre
Y Buarth, Aberystwyth,
Ceredigion, SY23 1ND
01970 612374