In comparison to the major problems caused by BSE, scrapie is not a significant problem for the majority of sheep flocks. Media interest in BSE in recent years has raised the profile of scrapie, although the disease incidence has been in gradual decline. Swaledale breeders have for many years been working to reduce scrapie susceptibility within the breed and the majority of pedigree breeders are now members of the National Scrapie Plan.

Scrapie has been recognised in British flocks since 1732. It is one of a group of diseases called Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies. Another in the group is BSE. These diseases result in 'holes' developing in the brain tissue (hence the name 'spongiform' -looks like a sponge).

It is an infectious disease, although the causative agent and the way it spreads are not understood.

Clinical signs of scrapie:
Skin irritation - Scratching of the flanks
Rubbing/ scratching the head
Grinding teeth
Nibbling of feet/legs

Behavioural changes- Lag behind flock
Increased nervousness
Depression/ vacant stare
(aggression)

Eventually leads to incoordination, weight loss, recumbency and death.

For clinical disease to develop, two elements are required:
1. The presence of the scrapie agent in the environment.
2. A genetically susceptible sheep.

There are good reasons for working to reduce the incidence of scrapie in the National flock, not least the public perception of the disease, and its relation to BSE and therefore new variant CJD.

The scrapie agent is believed to be present in foetal fluids and removal of affected animals from the flock has, until recently, been the only available control measure.
In recent years it has become possible to genetically manipulate the flock by blood sampling and selective breeding; the aim being to increase scrapie resistance of the flock as a whole.

This is obviously desirable in a flock which is clinically affected by scrapie. It may also be politically desirable given the public perception of scrapie and its relation to other spongiform encephalopathies. The dilemma is whether it is advisable to base selective breeding on a laboratory test rather than the physical characteristics of the sheep.

Genotyping is the technique which identifies an individual's genes - usually done by blood testing. Scrapie susceptibility or resistance is determined in the sheep by two genes (one from each parent). One area of the 'scrapie gene' is composed of three amino acids, the combination of which varies between individuals. Some combinations offer more protection against scrapie than others. The amino acids involved are as follows:

A - alanine
H - histidine
Q - glutamine
R - arginine
V - valine

It has been established that combinations involving valine provide the least protection against scrapie and therefore steps have been taken to eliminate this gene type.
The most resistant genotype is ARR/ARR ie ARR from both parents. Naturally occurring scrapie has not been observed in animals of this genotype.
For more information about genotyping go to the NSP website.