Ovine epididymitis (Brucella ovis)

Article 14.6.1.

General provisions

Standards for diagnostic tests and vaccines are described in the Terrestrial Manual.

Article 14.6.2.

Sheep flock free from ovine epididymitis

To qualify as free from ovine epididymitis, a sheep flock shall satisfy the following requirements:

1. it is under official veterinary control;
   

2. all sheep in the flock showed no clinical evidence of ovine epididymitis during the past year;
   

3. all sheep in the flock are permanently identified.
   

If some or all the males in the flock are vaccinated, the flock should still be regarded as free.

Article 14.6.3.

Recommendations for the importation of sheep for breeding or rearing (except castrated males)

Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that:

1. the animals showed no clinical sign of ovine epididymitis on the day of shipment;
   

2. the animals come from a sheep flock free from ovine epididymitis;
   

3. for sheep over six months of age, the animals were isolated in the establishment of origin for the 30 days prior to shipment and were subjected to the diagnostic tests for Brucella ovis (B. ovis) with negative results; or
   

4. for sheep from a flock other than that stated in point 2 above, the animals were isolated prior to shipment and were subjected to the diagnostic tests for B. ovis with negative results on two occasions, with an interval of 30 to 60 days between each test, the second test being performed during the 15 days prior to shipment.

Article 14.6.4.

Recommendations for the importation of semen of sheep

Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that:

1. the donor animals:

   1. showed no clinical sign of ovine epididymitis on the day of collection of the semen;

   2. come from a sheep flock free from ovine epididymitis;

   3. were kept in the exporting country for the 60 days prior to collection, in an establishment or artificial insemination centre where all animals are free from ovine epididymitis;

   4. were subjected to the diagnostic tests for B. ovis with negative results during the 30 days prior to collection;

2. the semen does not contain B. ovis or other Brucella antibodies.