On this page you can find details about the role of our National Field Officer as well as how to contact him, technical information and downloads.


National Field Officer

Mr Gordon Connor
Auldhill Road
Bridgend
Linlithgow
West Lothian, EH49 6NH

Tel: 01506 834806   Email: gordon@gchltd.net

The Field Officer Role

The Society structure includes an elected Field officer, appointed to provide guidance to members about the breed standard, and also to continue to review the breed standard and future direction of the breed. The Field officer is a member of the Society Council and is always an experienced breeder and judge. They travel around the regions, attending shows, sales and regional events. They also give advice to members of the Society on their flocks, their breeding policy and any aspect of flock management. They are also responsible for ensuring that judges appointed by the society are undertaking their duties properly and professionally.The Field Officer also provides technical information to the Society on various aspects of breeding and keeping sheep and the current advice can be accessed using the links at the end of this page.

The Pat Bromley Trophy

This is a new trophy to be awarded to the ' Young Person of the Year' and to be presented at the Society AGM. Nominations for this award are invited from any Society member and the form should be downloaded from this website.
It will be awarded to the young person under the age of 25 who has given help in any way to improve the running of the Society. It is particularly emphasised that success in the show ring does not merit a nomination. 

 

Tay-Sachs in Jacob Sheep

Overview

The Society has had a watching brief on Tay-Sachs in UK Jacobs since it was brought to our attention in 2011. Tay-Sachs is a genetic disorder like cystic fibrosis or haemophilia that is carried in a very small proportion of the population. It is found in humans, dogs, cats, flamingos and Jacob sheep. Limited information has been available until scientific papers on Tay-Sachs in UK Jacobs were published in October 2013 and February 2014. Following the March 2014 JSS Council meeting, Council Members formed a strategy and communications plan based on protecting the welfare of Jacob sheep and also the interests of our members. Working with colleagues in the veterinary community, researchers at Cambridge University and DEFRA Animal Health, and with the guidance and determination of Chris Lewis (a noted sheep expert and retired vet), the JSS has funded the creation of a UK test to identify Tay-Sachs in Jacobs. The test is voluntary and is now available to members who wish to test their stock.

 

Testing of Sheep

Members should click on the home page of this website https://site.jacobsheepsociety.com then click on the 'search for members or sheep' button which will take members to their own log in page for registrations. After logging on, Click 'Manage my flock' and it will take you to the Tay-Sachs DNA test option. Carefully select the registered sheep from your flock list to sample, add them to your basket and pay through the check out.
Grassroots will be able to help with any dispatch or returns queries through the normal contact routes. Results are anonymous and confidential between members and their vets and members will pay their vets for the service. We do not know how widespread Tay-Sachs is. Carriers of the genetic disorder show no symptoms but a small number of the progeny from two carriers may develop the disorder which is fatal. Any unexplained deaths in 6-8 month old lambs should be checked for Tay-Sachs.
The JSS Council has a continuing strategy to monitor Tay-Sachs. At present, we would encourage members to at least get their rams tested as by doing so the potential spread of Tay-Sachs can be restricted.

 

Testing Prior to Registration

Grassroots can only issue DNA testing kits to registered sheep. But by 'birth notifying' Grassroots, your sheep will be able to be issued a Tay Sachs testing kit prior to full registration. Birth notifying is free, and requires the same information of pedigree as when you register your sheep. Just click 'Birth Notify' instead of 'Register'
Birth notify
Birth notify

Once you have Birth Notified your sheep, you will be able to go on to request the Tay Sachs DNA testing kits from the Grassroots website.

Tay Sachs Advice

If you need help or advice, please contact Gordon Connor, our Field Officer, on 01506 834806, mob: 07831 492890 or gordon@gchltd.net. The cost of the test is payable by members who will arrange the testing and submission via grassroots. All associated Veterinary costs are payable directly between the member and your flock vet. A further document for herd vets and members is available here and here

Please do not contact the Lab direct. The Field Officer can provide help with interpretation of results and with breeding advice.

please click here to read the Tay-Sachs pedigree certificate code change information

Technical Information & Downloads

The following technical information is provided and updated by the Field Officer for use by members.

  • The JSS guide 'An Introduction to Jacob Sheep' can be found here
  • Inspection Rules for Society Shows & Sales click here
  • For the latest news on the Schmallenberg Virus (January 2013) click here
  • Guidance on the Electronic Identification of Sheep click here
  • Guidance on Food Chain Information to be provided with sheep going to slaughter click here and model document for sheep keepers in Scotland click here
  • Guidance for Flock Competitions and Assessments click here and click here for the assessment card
  • Guidance on EID in Northern Ireland click here
  • Guidance on movement of sheep in Northern Ireland click here

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