sheep scrapie

Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative neurological disease that affects sheep and goats. It belongs to a group of diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), caused by abnormal proteins called prions that damage the brain and nervous system. Symptoms often include scratching, wool loss, behavioral changes, and coordination problems. The disease spreads through contaminated feed, environment, or direct contact. There is no cure or effective treatment, and infected animals usually die within weeks to months. Scrapie has been a concern for animal health and agriculture, prompting strict control measures to prevent its spread.