Scrapie and Soay Sheep
Scrapie is not found in Soay sheep, but all sheep owners need to be aware of Scrapie.
There are differing views on the cause(s) of Scrapie, and these views range widely and often vehemently, since there is no strong scientific evidence that either is correct.
The most commonly held views hold prions as the culprit, and suggest culling sheep that exhibit the "wrong" sort of codons. This would eliminate most of the Soay sheep population worldwide, which is unnecessary considering that Scrapie is not found in Soay sheep at this time.
The other views are that Scrapie is caused by toxins used for parasite control in the last few hundred years, or by pollution. After years of global research, an organic farmer named Mark Purdey was the first person to propose that high levels of manganese in the environment may be causing BSE and vCJD. This proposal has since been supported by Dr David Brown, an expert on prions, and whose work is encouraged by Prince Charles.
SOA takes no sides on this issue, but does promote the conservation of Soay sheep with all their codons, whether the said codons are currently politically correct or not.
The United States requires that sheep are enrolled in either the fairly recent Mandatory Program for monitoring Scrapie, or the original Voluntary Program, which has slightly tighter requirements.
The Federal Voluntary Program is designed to aid sheep producers of any breed in becoming a certified Scrapie-free flock over the course of 5 years.
- The only costs incurred are the purchase of specified eartags, which are about $1.00 each.
- Flocks enrolled in the Voluntary Program are required to have a yearly inspection by your State Vet, at no cost incurred to you. The inspection is cursory, easy, and provides for conversation with someone knowledgeable about the program and other flocks of sheep; it is actually a pleasant and educational experience.
- Farms enrolled in the Voluntary Program may purchase ewes from flocks enrolled in the Mandatory program, but this practice will set your certification back to year zero. However, purchasing rams from flocks enrolled in the Mandatory program does not affect your certification date.
- Only farms enrolled in the Voluntary Program are eligible to participate in the use of Artificial Insemination, or to purchase lambs sired by Artificial Insemination.
The Mandatory Program is just that, absolutely mandatory unless you choose the Voluntary Program. The differences in the Mandatory Program are that:
- you are not required to have a yearly flock inspection
- you are not eligible for participating in AI or purchasing sheep sired by AI, and
- the many Soay breeders enrolled in the Voluntary Program may not wish to purchase sheep from you because it may affect their flock status.
SOA provides a sample of a simple and useful form that you can copy for use in the annual flock inspection.
This page is provided as an informational source, and is not intended as replacement for veterinary advice. Please consult your local veterinarian if you have questions, and your State Veterinarian to enroll in the Voluntary or Mandatory program. State Veterinarian contact information can be found here.
References:
- The Genetics of Scrapie Susceptibility link
- Mark Purdey's Research link
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