By
- Tarek Anthony | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Oregon agriculture officials have confirmed the presence of a fatal disease in a slaughtered sheep, marking the first confirmed case in the United States in more than five years
The illness, known as classical scrapie, is a degenerative prion disease that affects the brain and central nervous system of sheep and goats. The disease is fatal and can spread between animals but does not impact humans
The infected sheep was identified through a state and federal program that monitors for the disease at sheep and goat slaughter facilities
Experts say the disease can take years to develop, but once symptoms appear, animals typically survive only a matter of months
It was not clear exactly where the sheep was raised. According to state officials, the infected animal did not have an ear-tag, which would have allowed officials to better trace the
The country was less than 18 months away from reaching the seven-year, case-free benchmark required to self-declare the disease eradicated
With the newly confirmed case, the earliest the United States could be declared scrapie-free is 2033
Livestock owners are encouraged to remain vigilant for symptoms, which can include tremors, behavioral changes, weight loss, excessive scratching against fences and a high-stepping gait
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Those who suspect their animals may be infected should immediately contact a veterinarian, who can initiate state testing protocols
