Sheep farmers urged to participate in free, voluntary testing program

Pennsylvania’s sheep producers can protect their flocks against scrapie, a deadly, incurable brain disease, by enrolling in a free voluntary testing program, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding has announced. "Pennsylvania’s sheep industry is a key component of the state’s leading economic driver – agriculture," Redding said. "Testing will be done on a first-come, first-served basis and I encourage producers to participate in this voluntary testing program to make sure their flocks remain viable."

According to a news release from the Pa. Dept. of Agriculture:

The Voluntary Scrapie Certification Program allows producers to use genotyping, a type of genetic analysis, to determine which sheep are genetically susceptible or resistant to the disease.

Scrapie is a fatal brain disease that infects sheep and goats. There is no vaccine to prevent scrapie and no cure once an animal becomes infected. The disease does not affect human health.

This year’s program offers producers three different options for testing, with the intent of meeting the needs of farms and flocks.

Producers who participate in the program must have an official flock identification number and each animal tested must have proper official identification. Sampling must be conducted by specified state or federal officials or by a private, accredited veterinarian.

If you qualify, we urge you to participate! To learn more, call 717-772-2852.