Scrapie in Sheep: Prion Disease and Welfare

Scrapie is a fatal prion disease of sheep and goats causing progressive neurological deterioration, significant welfare suffering, and management challenges for affected flocks.

Key Facts

Scrapie is caused by misfolded prion proteins that accumulate in the nervous system
It is one of the earliest identified transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
Clinical signs include intense pruritus, ataxia, progressive wasting, and behavioural changes
The disease is invariably fatal, typically within months of clinical onset
Genetic resistance exists: the ARR/ARR genotype in sheep confers near complete resistance to classical scrapie
EU eradication programmes have used selective breeding for genetically resistant animals

Welfare Considerations

Sheep affected by scrapie experience prolonged and progressive welfare suffering. The intense pruritus causes self-inflicted wounds from incessant rubbing and scratching. Neurological deterioration leads to incoordination, falling, and inability to compete for food and water. Progressive wasting reduces body condition severely. The prolonged disease course means affected animals often suffer for weeks to months before death or euthanasia. Genetic eradication programmes that select for ARR/ARR animals are a long-term welfare and agricultural solution, but affected animals in the meantime require close monitoring and timely euthanasia decisions.

What You Can Do

Work with your vet to identify and cull affected animals promptly to prevent prolonged suffering
Participate in national scrapie eradication programmes based on genetic selection for resistance
Genotype your breeding rams for prion protein genotype and select ARR/ARR animals where possible
Report suspected scrapie cases to the relevant regulatory authority as required
Support research into prion disease surveillance and genetic resistance programmes