PSGHS Rules for Adding Animals into an MV/CAE Accredited Flock or Herd

 

Maintaining your MV/CAE accreditation is essential for disease control and flock/herd reputation. To stay compliant, it’s vital to follow the correct testing and biosecurity steps whenever you bring in new animals.

Use this guide to ensure your flock or herd remains within PSGHS accreditation requirements.

 

Adding MV/CAE Accredited Animals

Testing requirements:

• All accredited animals added to an MV/CAE accredited flock or herd must be tested between 6 and 12 months after arrival.

• The name and address of the flock of origin must be included on the submission form to confirm accreditation status.

• Failure to comply will result in the flock or herd reverting to annual testing.

Recommended Pre-Purchase Testing:

• It is strongly recommended that all added animals—regardless of age—are tested at the time of purchase, before introduction to the accredited group.

• This pre-purchase test does not replace the required 6–12 month post-arrival test, which is still mandatory to maintain accreditation.

Animals Sold Before the 6-12 Month Test:

If an accredited animal is purchased and added to a flock but will be sold before the 6–12 month test, it must...

• Be tested prior to sale, and

• Undergo the 6–12 month test after arrival in the new flock or herd.

 

Accredited Animals Kept Fully Biosecure

If accredited animals (such as ewe lambs) are purchased with the intention of being sold on as accredited, there are two permitted management options:

Option A: Joining and Accredited Flock:

• The animals may join an existing accredited flock/herd.

• They are treated as “added accredited animals” and must:

  • Receive an “added accredited animal” test 6–12 months after joining, or

  • Be tested before sale if earlier.

Option B: Managed as a Separate Biosecure Group:

• The animals may be kept as a separate, fully biosecure group.

• The group:

  • Retains accreditation as long as full biosecurity is maintained.

  • Must be tested by 13 months after the group is established (6–12 months plus the standard one-month grace period).

  • If sold before 13 months, animals may be sold as accredited without additional testing.

 

Adding Non MV/CAE Accredited Animals

Isolation and Testing:

• Non-accredited animals must be maintained in a completely isolated group, kept strictly biosecure from the accredited flock or herd.

• All animals in this group must:

  • Pass two qualifying tests taken 6–12 months apart.

  • Be at least 12 months old at the first qualifying test, and therefore at least 18 months old at the second.

  • Remain within the group between the two tests.

Accreditation Conditions:

• These animals must not be added to the accredited flock/herd until:

  • Both qualifying tests have been passed, and

  • Written confirmation of negative results has been received.

Biosecurity Maintenance:

• Biosecurity for both the isolated group and the main flock/herd must be strictly upheld in accordance with accreditation rules.

 

Uncertain Animal Status

If you’re unsure of an animal’s accreditation status:

• Seek guidance from the Health Schemes Team before purchase or introduction.

• You can also check flock status via the members database at psghs.co.uk.

• Non-compliance with these requirements may result in loss of flock/herd accreditation.

 

Key Takeaway:
Always test, record, and maintain biosecurity. Following these steps keeps your flock or herd accredited, healthy, and trusted within the industry.

Posted by SRUC Veterinary Services on 03/11/2025