Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats.  It is among a number of diseases classified as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE).  Infected flocks that contain a high percentage of susceptible animals can experience significant production losses.  Over a period of several years the number of infected animals increases, and the age at onset of clinical signs (see photos) decreases making these flocks economically unviable.  Animals sold from infected flocks spread scrapie to other flocks.

The presence of scrapie in the United States also prevents the export of breeding stock, semen, and embryos to many other countries.  TSEs are the subject of increased attention and concern because of the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle, the link between BSE and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in people, and feline spongiform encephalopathy (FSE) in cats in Europe. See Factsheet for more detail.

Scrapie Ovine Slaughter Surveiliance (SOSS) - The objective of the SOSS was to estimate the national and regional prevalence of scrapie in mature sheep. The study was released in March 2004.

• Hightlights 2004
• Report 2004

PowerPoint Presentation on the Use of Genetics to Control Scrapie

Producer/Owner Information -- “Eradicate Scrapie!” is a national scrapie educational initiative that provides information for producers and owners of sheep on scrapie and the new identification requirements for sheep and goats provided by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture.

Scrapie "Free" Flock Certification Program

Changes to SFCP Standards (PDF)

Scrapie Program Tools for Tag Manufacturers
(For Authorized Tag Manufacturers Only - LOGIN REQUIRED)

• General Information
• Approved Laboratories
• Producers
• Accredited Veterinarians

For Additional Information on Ear Tags Contact the USDA/APHIS Area Office for Your State at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/area_offices.htm for more information on scrapie or the eradication program contact the designated scrapie epidemiologist in your state.

For additional assistance you may contact Susan E Ledford or Diane L. Sutton