Sheep Industry News December 2021

Marketing American Sheep Genetics Overseas ERICA SANKO Director of Analytics & Production Programs W hile many discussions surrounding sheep genetics mention importing genetics from other countries, there are opportunities for American sheep pro ducers to export their genetics to producers in other countries looking to integrate favorable traits into their flocks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant until it has been reviewed and endorsed by APHIS. Country specific health certificates, information on how to submit cer tificates for APHIS endorsement and associated APHIS fees can also be found on the IREGS website. There are companies that offer consulting services to assist with exporting live breeding sheep, embryos or semen. The Livestock Exporters Association provides a list of companies that offer such services for those producers wanting to work with an exporting company.

Health Inspection Service is the competent authority for animal health, and works with exporters to ensure all animals – in cluding germplasm – meet the requirements of the importing country prior to export. The exportation of sheep (live, embryos and semen) involves several components that might differ depending on the import ing country requirements. For example, Canada permits breed ing ewes only if they originate from a premise enrolled in the Scrapie Flock Certification Program that is determined to be a “negligible risk premise." Specific country requirements for the export of sheep from the United States can be found on the USDA website, Interna tional Regulations for Animal Export. Country requirements can change frequently, so it is highly encouraged and recom mended that producers review the IREGS website in advance of any export shipment. If there are additional questions regard ing a country’s import requirements, producers can contact the USDA/APHIS Veterinary Services Service Center for their area. The process for exporting live breeding sheep, embryos or se men can take weeks to months depending on the requirements. For example, some countries require an isolation or quarantine period with health inspections conducted within a specific period while other countries may not require a quarantine pe riod. Veterinarians are key to the export process and should be contacted early on. All exports of live breeding sheep from the United States require an international health certificate, which must be com pleted by an accredited veterinarian. The international health certificate is an official document that attests to the animal's health status. It confirms all necessary testing and treatment is completed in accordance with the importing country require ments for the individual animals being exported. After the accredited veterinarian has signed the health certificate, it must also be endorsed by APHIS. The international health certificate is not considered valid

Producers should expect to encounter potential challenges, delays and increased costs related to the logistics of the ex port process due to the ongoing pandemic environment. Any producers looking to export live breeding sheep, embryos or semen should have a thorough understanding of the importing country’s requirements and contact USDA for assistance. For information on exporting breeding sheep, embryos or se men visit the USDA/APHIS website at APHIS.USDA.gov/aphis/ ourfocus/animalhealth/export/iregs-for-animal-exports. COMPLETELY UPDATED Sheep Production Handbook Fully Searchable USB

Volume 8 Features New Chapter on Lamb Quality Updated Material in Every Chapter, including:

Breeding & Selection • Dairy Sheep • Forages Health • Reproduction • Management • Wool Nutrition • Marketing • Predator Damage Control

Only $19.95

Order at SheepUSA.org/shop

December 2021 • Sheep Industry News • 25