California sheep producers recognize their obligation to build and maintain the trust of customers and the public in their products and practices. The well-being of their sheep is an important consideration for all sheep producers. California sheep producers abide by recognized industry management and production practices that ensure animal health and the ethical responsibility for the humane care of animals.
Sheep Safety and Quality Assurance (SSQA)
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) began development of an industry-wide quality assurance program in 1991. Since then, the ASI, through cooperative agreements with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Colorado State University, University of Minnesota, and Texas A&M University, conducted a quality audit of meat, wool, and milk from U.S. sheep. In the final report of that audit, industry problem areas were identified, and preventative management strategies to assist in the reduction of quality challenges were developed.
This publication provides information about objectives and process control procedures for use by sheep producers that will help to generate safe, high-quality products.
he mission of the Sheep Safety and Quality Assurance (SSQA) program is to maximize consumer confidence in, and acceptance of, sheep products by using research and education to improve management during the production of safe and high-quality sheep products.
Learn More About SSQACDFA Antimicrobial Use & Stewardship (AUS) Program
A coordinated effort by physicians, veterinarians, individual patients, animal caretakers and producers is essential in order to preserve the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs. California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Antimicrobial Use & Stewardship (AUS) Program provides the education and tools for veterinarians, sheep and goat producers to make decisions regarding disease prevention and judicious use of antimicrobials in livestock. The intent is to uphold best animal health practices in order to provide a safe, secure, and bountiful food supply, while reducing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship (AUS) program is tasked with implementing the directives of Food and Agricultural Code 14400-14408. AUS is responsible for assessment, education, and enforcement of antimicrobial use for livestock in California. The AUS 2019 Report to the Legislature aims to fulfill the mandate in FAC 14405 (d) by providing the results of the program’s outreach activities and monitoring efforts..
More information is available on the CDFA website.
Internal Parasite Management
The American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control website offers information on internal parasite control.
Articles include:
- Why does it take so long for new dewormers to become available on the market for small ruminants?
- Finding new drugs with anthelmintic properties is hard to do
- Drugs are expensive to develop
- Drugs need to meet stringent requirements for efficacy, safety and manufacturing
- What can we do in the interim?
California Wool Growers Association (CWGA) offers a variety product to help control internal parasites. A list of these products can be viewed by clicking here.
California Wool Growers Association (CWGA) offers a variety product to help control internal parasites. A list of these products can be viewed by clicking here.
Biosecurity
Biosecurity refers to management measures taken to prevent disease agents from being introduced and spreading to and/or from animal populations or their proximity.
Why do I need to be aware of biosecurity? Economically speaking, it is worth it because it:
- Minimizes risk of new disease,
- Controls and eradicates existing diseases, and
- Increases consumer confidence in the final product.
Biosecurity has three main components. These are:
- Isolation = the confinement of animals away from other animals
- Traffic control = movement of people, animals, vehicles and equipment
- Sanitation/Husbandry = cleanliness and care of animals and their environment.
For more information click here.
