Scrapie is a fatal prion disease of sheep causing progressive neurological deterioration. Understanding the disease, welfare implications, and eradication programs informs better practices.
Scrapie causes progressive and irreversible neurological deterioration associated with significant suffering. The compulsive rubbing behavior that gives scrapie its name reflects intense pruritus driving sheep to rub against fencing and posts until skin is broken. Ataxia progresses to inability to walk and ultimately recumbency. The chronic progressive nature means sheep experience months of worsening distress before death. Early identification and humane euthanasia is the primary welfare intervention once disease is confirmed, but genetic selection for resistance addresses the problem at the population level.