Scrapie

 

Scrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) affecting sheep and goats. The presence of classical scrapie in the U.S. sheep and goat population affects industry economically through production losses, lost exports, and increased production and disposal costs. Public health concerns related to the transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) to humans have resulted in efforts to eradicate all TSEs in food-producing animals.

Surveillance for scrapie in the U.S. is conducted through the National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP), a cooperative State-Federal-industry program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services website contains the latest information on scrapie. Click here for information.

Sheep & Goat Official ID Basics Flow Chart – Click here.

Final Scrapie Rule Effective April 2019 – Click here for details. Click here for a summary of the final rule.

Help Eradicate Scrapie

  • Producer assistance is needed to completely eradicate scrapie from the U.S.
  • In order to find the remaining scrapie infected sheep and goats and to demonstrate to the world that the U.S. is scrapie free, we need more sample submissions from mature sheep and goats that die on farm. The only diagnostic tests currently available to determine if a sheep or goat has scrapie require brain or lymphoid tissue. Report mature sheep/goats showing signs of scrapie to USDA/APHIS or your State Veterinarian.
  • Participate in USDA/APHIS’ sample submission program. The program is provided at no cost to the producer, and asks that producers submit samples from sheep 18 months of age or older
  • Officially identify your sheep/goats before they the leave your farm. For information on ordering official sheep tags click here. To request official sheep tags, a flock or premises ID or both, call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824).

Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program (SFCP) Standards

The SFCP provides producers the opportunity to increase the marketability of their animals through demonstrating scrapie freedom in their flock or herd. Additionally, the SFCP contributes to APHIS’ scrapie surveillance strategy, testing sheep and goats from flocks and herds that otherwise might not be sampled through traditional slaughter surveillance.

In a cooperative effort between ASI and APHIS a presentation about the Scrapie Eradication Program has been developed for producers (click on the item).

Informational Brochures (click on the item)

In a cooperative effort between ASI and APHIS a quarterly newsletter about the Scrapie Eradication Program has been developed for State and Federal partners. This publication updates field staff with information ASI has published throughout that quarter.

 

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