Scrapie is a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system of sheep and goats. It is classified as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). Other TSEs include bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle and chronic wasting disease in elk and deer. These diseases are associated with the presence of an abnormal form of a protein called a prion. As with the other TSEs, there is no cure or vaccine for scrapie. According to Health Canada, there is no known link between scrapie and human health.

Sheep and goats can get scrapie by either coming into direct contact with the saliva, urine, feces, blood or birthing fluids of an infected animal, or indirectly by ingesting anything from, living in or spending time in a contaminated environment like a barn or pasture. Males and female animals are equally susceptible to scrapie.

Scrapie develops slowly. A sheep or goat can be infected for a long time and be spreading the disease without appearing ill. Once an animal finally does appear ill, it will typically die within months. Clinical signs of scrapie include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• General “poor doers”
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Changes in behaviour
• Poor coat quality
• Sudden death
• No signs at all

Other countries, including the USA and Great Britain, are already working to reduce the incidence of scrapie and eventually eradicate it from their flocks. To remain competitive and maintain market access, remove trade barriers and access new markets, it is in Canada's best interest to continue to breed for scrapie resistance in sheep and to work towards eradication.

Canada’s NSEP involves collaboration among producers, industry, veterinarians, laboratories and governments, and includes three distinct programs:
• The National Scrapie Surveillance System
• The Scrapie Flock Certification Program
• Mandatory on-farm disease response in the event of a positive case.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and several provincial agricultural ministries and laboratories work together in the surveillance system to detect scrapie in the national sheep flock and goat herd. The goal of this system is to identify infected animals in Canada to ensure that proper steps can be taken to completely eradicate the disease from the country.

Any producer can participate in national surveillance and there is no program enrollment required. If you have a mature (12 months or older) sheep that has died, was euthanized or slaughtered (e.g. cull ewes) and you are interested in obtaining scrapie testing free of charge, contact your local CFIA animal health district office. If you are not certain which is your local district office, you can send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for this information.

Scrapie surveillance pamphlet
Scrapie surveillance flyer
Scrapie surveillance information sheet

Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP)

The SFCP is a voluntary program where enrolled producers pay fees and follow specific standards for a number of years to achieve scrapie negligible risk status for their own herd or flock’s wellbeing and to allow them to trade within Canada and/or export. The CFIA is responsible for policy development, as well as audit and oversight, ensuring that the program retains key requirements to meet international standards. The day-to-day administration and assessments of the SFCP enrolled producers is the responsibility of industry.

Questions about the Scrapie Flock Certification Program? Contact the national scrapie co-ordinator: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 1-866-534-130, www.scrapiecanada.ca.

On-farm disease response

Scrapie is a reportable disease in Canada. In the rare event that your animal tests positive you can learn more about CFIA’s disease response by reading the following document on the CFIA’s website: Understand what to expect if scrapie has been detected on your farm - inspection.canada.ca

Programme national d’éradication de la tremblante (PNET)