Testing for Disease before you buy

[minnikin1]

What is the typical protocol of how a sale proceeds if the buyer wants an OPP test prior to sale?

Is there a deposit first? Is it non-refundable excepting a positive test result?
Who makes the arrangements for the testing? Does buyer pay all the associated costs or only a part?

[flannelberry]

I just consider the OPP test (as a part of a vet visit) as part of the cost of doing business. I don't require a deposit first as we both benefit from that knowledge; also, I do them as part of our routine flock health so if someone wanted one and it had just been done say three months ago... I'd just ask them to pay the additional costs. I haven't had any problems with that at all.

The flock prices I charge are what I think are fair and take into account all of my expenses.

I hope this helps.

[minnikin1]

Thanks, Flannelberry.

My situation is a little different. I am in the position of buyer here.

As far as OPP goes, the seller tests a percetage of the flock.
The parents and lamb I'm looking at have not been tested yet.

[kesoaps]

As the buyer, if you want certain tests done it's your responsibility to foot the bill. You could certainly word it so that it would appear to be beneficial to the seller..."Have you tested for XYZ? Would you be willing to if I paid half?" But if this is a quality animal in every other way that you really want to add to your flock, you may have to hand over the big bucks to get the testing done.

Another option, if the seller won't split the cost, is to have a contract that gives you X number of days to return the animal if your vet finds something.

[haypoint]

Do they have their Scrapie ear tags? In Michigan the Dept. of Ag helps pay for a inner cheek swab to determine genotype. Blood tests are another option. USDA has a requirement for breeding sheep or high risk/possitive animals that they have a tag, too. Scrapies is a form of TSE (aka Mad Cow).

[flannelberry]

Originally Posted by minnikin1

Thanks, Flannelberry.

My situation is a little different. I am in the position of buyer here.

As far as OPP goes, the seller tests a percetage of the flock.
The parents and lamb I'm looking at have not been tested yet.

When I've been buying from an untested flock I just offer to pay for the ones I am interested in to be tested.

I hate to disagree with Kesoaps and yet, IMO - testing when you get home is the least preferable option because if something comes back positive you now have introduced it to your place and have to deal with the animal(s). Although I do agree it's better than nothing to have that sort of agreement!

A word to the wise - I also get the vet to fax me directly. I pay the vet directly and as the paying person, I then know exactly what the vet is saying about the animal. It's not even a worry about delibrate dishonesty so much as not having the other person filtering out the info.

I hope this helps Mini.