National Scrapie Eradication Program

National Scrapie Eradication Program/Regulatory Scrapie Slaughter Surveillance Update
By Gary S. Ross, DVM
National Center for Animal Health Programs, Eradication and Surveillance Team, Scrapie Unit
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/Veterinary Services

August, 2004 -Regulatory Scrapie Slaughter Surveillance (RSSS) started April 1, 2003. It is a targeted slaughter surveillance program, designed to identify infected flocks for clean-up. Between the beginning of the program in April 2003 and May 31, 2004, samples from 20,797 sheep were collected; results for 18,225 have been reported. Samples have been submitted from 29 plants around the country. Those samples were submitted to a network of 17 state and university diagnostic laboratories, under contract to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL).

When a positive test is identified by one of those laboratories, the samples from that animal are forwarded to NVSL for confirmation of the test results. As of June 30, 2004, NVSL had confirmed 57 positive sheep. Thirty-seven of the confirmed positives have been sampled in FY 2004. The population of animals targeted for sampling are cull adult sheep, 18 months of age or older, all black- or mottled-faced sheep in this age group, and any white-faced sheep that has any of the signs that might be associated with scrapie or generally poor body condition or wool loss. Of the positives detected thus far, greater than 92 percent have been in black- and mottled-faced sheep.

The RSSS goal is to sample 4,000 animals per month, and we expect to reach that sampling level in 2004. Charts illustrating the progress toward this goal can be found on the USDA/APHIS Web site under the scrapie monthly report.

To complete the process of identifying infected flocks for clean-up, cull animals going to slaughter must be properly identified to the flock of origin. It is ultimately the flock owner's responsibility that animals leaving that flock be properly identified. If that responsibility is passed on to another party, that person must identify the animals and maintain the appropriate records to allow tracing of those animals to the flock of origin. As of June 30, 2004, 86,825 sheep and goat premises have been assigned identification numbers in the Scrapie National Generic Database. Official eartags have been issued to 61,098 of these premises.

Eradication of scrapie requires cooperation and a truly team effort:

Producers can speed the accomplishment of this goal by:

• Practicing good biosecurity against the risk factors that allow the introduction of scrapie into a flock;
• Increase the overall flock resistance to scrapie infection by increasing the number of genetically resistant animals in their flock through genotype testing;
• Participate in the Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP) if they produce seed stock;
• Properly identify animals within the flock and be certain that animals are properly identified before they leave the farm.

Dealers, Order Buyers and Markets:

• Learn the details of the identification and record-keeping requirements for sheep moving in interstate commerce;
• Make certain sheep are identified when they leave the farm and, if required, act as a responsible agent for the producer in matters of applying identification and keeping the appropriate records to promote efficient and accurate traceback of positive animals;
• Function as an accurate scrapie program information resource for your client-producers.

Slaughter Plant Operators:

• Learn the details of the identification and record-keeping requirements for sheep moving in interstate commerce;
• Make certain sheep that arrive at your establishment are identified to the farm of origin or have the appropriate record trail to promote efficient and accurate traceback of positive animals;
• Function as an accurate scrapie program information resource for your suppliers;
• Work with USDA/APHIS and State animal health officials to develop animal tissue sampling activities that will accomplish the goals of RSSS.

Accredited Veterinarians and Extension Agents:

• Learn the details of the Uniform Methods and Rules of the Scrapie Eradication Program and be an active source of information for small ruminant producers;
• Assist producers in setting up Scrapie biosecurity programs, genotyping plans and application and enrollment in the SFCP;
• Be a resource base for training materials about scrapie, scrapie eradication and approved animal identification methods.

USDA APHIS and State animal health officials:

• Ensure compliance with the regulations and uniform methods and rules governing the Scrapie Eradication Program;
• Accomplish surveillance and traceback goals of RSSS;
• Develop flock clean-up plans that are user friendly and have balanced cost-benefit factors for the producer and the expenditure of public funds for eradication activities;
• Locate exposed sheep and goats and work with current owners to minimize the risks these animals pose to their flocks through appropriate testing;
• Conduct the activities required to support and promote the SFCP;
• Give national and state guidance to the program; and
• Coordinate program educational efforts.

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