The final rule to update the National Scrapie Eradication Program Regulations was just published in the Federal Register on March 25. APHIS believes the rule will result in a more effective disease eradication program, with a more flexible approach to disease investigations and affected flock management. American Sheep Industry Association Executive Director Peter Orwick says scrapies in sheep is similar to BSE in cattle and this new regulation also covers goats.
He says the development of genetic testing has helped to curtail the disease and this regulation takes that into account.
Orwick says they expect scrapies to be eradicated in the near future.
Orwick says one of the major problems with scrapies is it becomes a trade restriction for breeding animals. The rule is expected to take effect April 24.
