NOTICE: National Scrapie Eradication Report - January 2015
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sent this bulletin at 03/03/2015 03:00 PM EST
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The monthly report for the National Scrapie Eradication Program for January 2015 is now available. The monthly reports are available in both PowerPoint and PDF formats.
Highlights of the January 2015 Report
One new scrapie infected flock and two new scrapie source flocks have been designated in FY 2015. Since the beginning of FY 2015, 29 sheep have tested positive for scrapie; 26 of these positives were from the same source flock. Two goats have tested positive; both from the same herd.
As of January 31, for FY 2015, 11,011 sheep and 2,892 goats have been tested for scrapie.
Scrapie/Scrapie Program Monthly Tidbit
Do you know how “scrapie” got its name? Sheep and goats affected by the disease often scratch and rub against fixed objects, apparently to relieve itching. Other signs are loss of coordination, weakness, weight loss despite a healthy appetite, biting at feet or limbs, lip smacking, and abnormalities in an animal’s gait or while walking (such as high-stepping of the forelegs, hopping like a rabbit, and swaying of the back end). Death has been reported in sheep and goats where clinical signs were not observed. Visit the APHIS Scrapie Disease Information webpage to learn more.
Resources
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To learn more about scrapie, the disease, and the national scrapie eradication program visit the APHIS VS Scrapie Website and www.eradicatescrapie.org.
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