Scrapie in Sheep: Fatal Prion Disease Welfare Management
Scrapie is a fatal prion disease of sheep causing progressive neurological deterioration with significant welfare implications and long-term herd management considerations.
Key Facts
- A transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) of sheep, related to BSE in cattle
- Incubation period of 2-5 years means disease is seen in adult sheep
- Signs include intense itching, incoordination, abnormal posture, and progressive wasting
- No treatment exists; affected sheep inevitably die or require euthanasia
- Genetic resistance breeding through the NSP program significantly reduces flock susceptibility
Welfare Considerations
Scrapie welfare impact is prolonged and severe. The progressive neurological deterioration occurs over months, with affected sheep experiencing intense pruritus causing self-trauma, progressive incoordination and loss of ability to feed normally, and eventual recumbency. The long incubation period means sheep spend years as asymptomatic carriers before clinical signs develop. Prompt euthanasia when welfare is significantly compromised is the only kind option. The National Scrapie Plan genotyping program allows selection of genetically resistant sheep, offering a route to eliminating scrapie from the national flock through breeding.
What You Can Do
- Participate in the National Scrapie Plan genotyping and resistance breeding program
- Monitor adult sheep for early behavioral and neurological signs
- Euthanize affected sheep promptly when welfare is unacceptable
- Test sheep for scrapie gene status before breeding decisions
- Consult your vet and APHA if you suspect scrapie in your flock