TSEs in sheep (Scrapie)

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) in sheep, such as scrapie, are progressive infectious brain diseases caused by abnormal prion proteins. These misfolded proteins accumulate in the nervous system, leading to brain damage that results in symptoms like itching, behavioral changes, incoordination, and weight loss. TSEs are contagious through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments and are lifelong, ultimately fatal. They pose significant health concerns for sheep populations and have implications for other species, including humans, though the risk of transmission to humans from scrapie is considered very low.