Cache Valley and Abortion Factsheets

Cache Valley Virus (CVV) and abortion factsheets have been added to the SPANS website, as reports of abortions and malformed lambs are being seen across flocks nationally. While there's little that can be done to stop these losses right now, it’s important to understand what might have caused them.

Key points:

• CVV is spread by mosquitoes, and infections during early pregnancy can lead to congenital malformations and abortions months later.
• Prevention measures, like reducing mosquito exposure during breeding season, can help in the future.

These issues are not a result of poor management. Instead, changing environmental conditions are making it more challenging to protect our flocks.

Now is the time to plan for next fall's breeding season. Strategies like avoiding grazing in mosquito-heavy areas and improving mosquito control can help reduce risks.

If you suspect one of these viruses has affected your flock, please reach out to your veterinarian.

CFIA Scrapie Surveillance Resources

Have your sheep and goats tested for Scrapie, a fatal disease that affects their central nervous system. If an animal aged 12 months and older dies on your farm, contact the CFIA.

Climate Adaptation Leadership Program: Farm Highlight Opportunity

How have you adapted to our changing climate?

Big or small, we want to hear about the innovative practises you’ve been implementing.

Apply to have your farm highlighted by the Climate Adaptation Leadership Program team!

Approved producers could receive compensation up to $1,000!

If interested in being featured, please send an email of interest to novascotiasheep@gmail.com, including a brief highlight of the issues you faced due to climate change, and how you overcame them!

Carcass Ultrasound Services



The Nova Scotia Cattle Producers proudly offer live animal ultrasound technology services for cattle and sheep in the Maritimes. The NSCP obtained the imaging technology equipment and certified two technicians, Jacy McInnis and Ellen Davis, and are proud to offer the first permanent technicians this side of Quebec!

By having ultrasound services readily available to producers, the hope is that overall carcass traits and expected progeny differences (EPD’s) within the region will be increased. This service will aid in future breeding practices, as results will illustrate the appropriateness of breeding stock, indicating which heritable traits, such as those within feed efficiency and carcass measures, should be improved for optimal production.



For more information click HERE

Curious about grazing cover crops? Have some specific questions on a specific species or grazing potential? Is there something you have tried that really worked for your system and you want to share?

Submit your questions before March 17, 2025 below, or by emailing Perennia's specialists.

For a complete listing of all Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture programs, please visit www.novascotia.ca/programs.