Scrapie Scrapie is a fatal disease of sheep and goats that causes degeneration of the central nervous system. Scrapie is contracted early in life and is believed to be transmitted from ewe to lamb through contact with the placenta. Although it may require years for the clinical signs to appear, the disease is 100 percent fatal. Scrapie is estimated to cost the sheep industry of the United States more than $20 million each year. USDA-APHIS has developed an eradication program designed to eliminate the disease by 2010.

Although Scrapie is in the same family of diseases as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, there is no evidence that it spreads to people.

Endemic Areas

Scrapie is found worldwide except in Australia and New Zealand.

Clinical Signs

• Behavior changes
• Rubbing or biting of wool
• Progressive incoordination
• High stepping or bunny hopping gait
• Weakness
• Weight loss despite good appetite

Treatment

There is no treatment for Scrapie. Any animal suspected of having Scrapie should be reported to the State Veterinarians or USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge immediately.

Prevention

The introduction of Scrapie may be prevented by only allowing animals of certified Scrapie free flocks into the herd. Entry and spread of the disease may also be prevented by only bringing rams into the herd and by maintaining highly sanitary conditions during lambing.

Public Health

There is no evidence that Scrapie is a public health threat.

Links

Scrapie Program -USDA-APHIS

Eradicate Scrapie! -National Institute for Animal Agriculture

About Scrapie -AVMA