By Julie Tomascik
Editor

A case of classical scrapie was confirmed in a sheep slaughtered at a facility in Oregon.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the disease, and final diagnostic testing and genotype analysis conducted by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories verified the case.

Classical scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease caused by abnormal proteins known as prions. It affects the central nervous system of sheep and goats and is most commonly spread from infected ewes to lambs during lambing. Animals can carry the disease for years before showing signs, which may include changes in behavior, tremors, lack of coordination and weight loss.

This was the first confirmed case in more than five years.

The U.S. had been on track to meet the World Organisation for Animal Health’s seven-year benchmark for self-declared scrapie freedom in January 2028. USDA officials said that timeline could now be pushed back to around 2033.

APHIS and Oregon animal health officials are working to identify the flock of origin.

The affected sheep did not have an official ear tag, making it more difficult to trace the animal and determine where it became infected. Federal officials will use tissue-matching and parentage testing on the affected sheep and two additional animals from the same slaughter group to help identify its origin and any potentially exposed animals.

According to APHIS, the National Scrapie Eradication Program has reduced the disease by more than 99% since it began in 2001 through surveillance, animal identification and selective breeding for scrapie-resistant genetics.

APHIS expects minimal impact on trade. Most countries restrict live animal exports only from affected flocks or premises, and products such as wool remain unaffected.

Scrapie does not pose a risk to human health.

More information about scrapie and APHIS’ eradication program is available at www.aphis.usda.gov.