Ice-berg Diseases in Sheep – Maedi Visna (MV)

MV – Maedi Visna (MV) was first detected in Icelandic sheep flocks during 1954, before being introduced to the UK following the importation of infected sheep. MV is caused by a retrovirus and is capable of having devastating effects on a flock, significantly reducing fertility and productivity. MV is a chronic wasting disorder, which is increasing in prevalence across UK flocks (recently doubling from 1.4-2.8%). MV is ultimately a fatal condition, for which there is no vaccine available. Flocks can be blood sampled to test for infection – with SRUC’s Premium Sheep and Goat Health Scheme also running an MV accreditation scheme.