Scrapie

 
What is scrapie?
Scrapie is a degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats.  Like bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervidae, scrapie is fatal.
 
How is scrapie transmitted?
Not a lot is understood about scrapie transmission.  There have been cases of seemingly healthy animals passing the disease on, but it is not completely known how or why.
 
What are the signs of infection?
As with other prion diseases, scrapie can cause behavioral changes (such as nervousness, aggression and excessive rubbing), loss of coordination, and weight loss.
 
What are the testing requirements?
If you have concerns about an animal possibly being infected, contact USDA at (208) 373-1620 or Animal Industries at (208) 332-8540.
 
Where do I get scrapie tags for my animals?
Information on ordering tags, as well as additional information on the disease and the National Scrapie Eradication Program, can be found at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animalhealth/scrapie-tags.
 

Scrapie is a reportable disease in Idaho.

If you have a question that is not covered here, please contact Animal Industries by email or phone at (208) 332-8540, or USDA at (208) 373-1620.