Classical Scrapie Reported In Oregon Sheep

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of classical scrapie in a sheep processed at an Oregon slaughter facility during routine federal surveillance.  The disease is fatal for sheep and goats, but officials stress there's no risk to people, and most Oregon producers are unaffected.

ODA is tracing the animal's flock of origin as part of a joint investigation with the USDA.  ODA is asking Oregon sheep and goat producers to take four steps:  

• Keep official identification current. Sheep and goats need official ID before they leave the premises where they were born, so animals can be traced if a case is found.  
• Watch for signs. Rubbing or scratching against fences and posts, tremors, an unsteady or high-stepping walk, changes in behavior, and weight loss in an animal that is still eating well.  
• Call your veterinarian right away if you see those signs. Oregon law requires veterinarians to notify ODA by phone as soon as they suspect scrapie, before any lab testing. You can also call ODA's disease reporting line directly at (503) 986-4711.  
• Ask your veterinarian about breeding for scrapie resistance. Some sheep carry genetics that make them highly resistant to classical scrapie, and breeding for those traits protects a flock over time.  

For more information about Oregon’s scrapie surveillance program, producers are encouraged to visit ODA's Scrapie Website.  More information about scrapie and APHIS’ eradication program by visiting APHIS' Website.  

ODA added the detection could delay the U.S. timeline for achieving scrapie-free status by several years.

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