As goat owners, understanding diseases that can affect our herds is crucial for maintaining healthy animals and preventing the spread of illnesses. In this episode, Deborah Niemann is joined by Dr. Linda Detwiler, staff veterinarian on the sheep and goat health staff at the USDA APHIS Veterinary Service, to discuss scrapie, a neurological disease affecting sheep and goats.

Dr. Detwiler provides an update on the current state of scrapie in the United States, including its history, transmission, symptoms, testing methods, genetic resistance, and efforts to eradicate it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What scrapie is and why it matters to sheep and goat breedersHow scrapie is transmitted and its long incubation periodSymptoms of scrapie in sheep and goatsTesting methods for live and deceased animalsThe role of genetic resistance in controlling scrapieChallenges in eradicating the last few cases of scrapie in the USThe importance of slaughter surveillance and official ID in disease controlCurrent progress toward declaring the US scrapie-free

Key Highlights

Scrapie is a prion disease with a long incubation period (2–5 years) that affects the brain and spinal cord of sheep and goats.The US has not had a reported case of scrapie since January 2021. To be declared scrapie-free by international standards, seven years without a case must pass.Genetic resistance plays a significant role in controlling scrapie. Certain genetic markers in sheep (e.g., RR at codon 171) and goats (e.g., K at codon 222) indicate increased resistance.Slaughter surveillance has been instrumental in identifying cases. Since its inception in 2003, over 765,000 samples have been tested.Official ID is critical for tracing positive cases back to their source and preventing further spread.

Resources Mentioned

USDA APHIS Veterinary ServicesWorld Organization for Animal Health

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/scrapie-in-goats-and-sheep/To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.comWant to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jar

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