Scrapie information

What is Scrapie?

Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep as well as goats. It is among a number of diseases classified as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). Infected flocks can experience significant production losses.

Scrapie is the oldest known TSE, and under natural conditions only sheep and goats are known to be affected by scrapie. Once infected, the animal remains infected for life. Transmission of the classical scrapie agent is not completely understood, and apparently healthy sheep infected with the agent can transmit disease. Sheep and goats are typically infected as young lambs or kids, though adult sheep and goats can become infected.

For more information about Scrapie, check out the links below

• ASI (American Sheep Industry Association) Scrapie Information

• Sheep and Goat Identification Ear Tag Order Information

• USDA National Scrapie Eradication Program

• Scrapie Canada - Scrapie Flock Identification Program