VITATOP - Increasing Biosafety in Sheep Breeding through the Purchase of Appropriate Animals

The VITATOP funding program aims to sustainably strengthen biosafety in sheep breeding in Upper Austria. By providing a subsidy for the purchase of rams and bucks with an elevated animal health standard, the quality of breeding stocks is specifically optimized. Eligible for funding are both associations such as sheep breeding associations and companies that are members of the Animal Health Service and participate in selected TGD programs for the control of Maedi/Visna, CAE, Brucella ovis, pseudotuberculosis, as well as ectoparasites and endoparasites. The funds are passed on to member farms via the Sheep Breeding Association, provided the animals are listed as VITATOP-eligible in the auction catalog and meet the strict quality and origin requirements.

Applications can be submitted at any time from January 1, 2017, without limitation. With a budget volume of €0.02 million, this constitutes a de minimis aid according to the general funding guidelines of the State of Upper Austria. Applicants benefit from a clearly defined type of service, "direct funding," and actively contribute to animal health and risk minimization through the purchase of selected breeding animals. Administrative responsibilities lie with the Department of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs of the Upper Austrian State Government, which ensures compliance with funding requirements and proper disbursement of subsidies. VITATOP makes an important contribution to strengthening regional sheep breeding and the sustainable development of agriculture.