Scrapie

Question 1

Name 3 transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and the species

Answer 1

Bovine spongiform - bovine
Scrapie - sheep
Chronic wasting disease - deer and elk

Question 2

Causative agent of TSE’s

Answer 2

Prion (abnormal protein)

Question 3

Main clinical signs

Answer 3

Scratching, rubbing, biting, lip smacking

Question 4

Reportable or not?

Answer 4

Reportable

Question 5

Transmission

Answer 5

Through placenta

Question 6

How long after infection do they show CS

Answer 6

2-5 years after infection (via placenta)

Question 7

Zoonotic?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

“Other” clinical signs

Answer 8

Besides the main (scratching, rubbing, biting, lip smacking):
Incoordination, gait abnormalities, bunny hopping, high stepping
May tremble/convulse in response to handling
Weight loss

Question 9

How to diagnose?

Answer 9

Usually via biopsy of lymphoid tissue (3rd eyelid or tonsil)

Can also do histo of brain for intracytoplasmic vacuoles of neurons or immunohisto for prions

Question 10

Treatment

Answer 10

No treatment

Question 11

Control

Answer 11

USDA has scrapie eradication program to test and slaughter infected sheep and trace herds