Two sheep flocks in Alberta have been quarantined for a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats.

The Candian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) first confirmed a positive classical scrapie case in late June, which can be transmitted to other animals.

The Association says the animal lived on multiple premises, leading to the quarantine of a second flock which has been confirmed as infected.

The disease belongs to the family of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), and is related to mad cow disease and chronic wasting disease.

According to Health Canada, there is no known link between scrapie and human health.

The CFIA says animals on the quarantined farms will be genetically tested, and those non-resistant to scrapie will be humanely killed.

Alberta Lamb Producers Chair, Darlene Stein, says the effect on the industry remains to be seen.

"Producer spend years developing their flocks, and anything that threatens that is concerning for us as an organization, and most certainly concerning for producers."

She says a producer could loose a lot of their flock if the disease is found on their operation, resulting in testing protocols.

Owners whose animals are ordered to be destroyed may be eligible for compensation, according to the CFIA's website.

They say scrapie was first detected in Canada in sheep in 1938, and has been detected routinely since then.

The form of the disease discovered in the two flocks is classical scrapie, which can be transmitted to other animals, whereas atypical scrapie is thought to be a spontaneous degenerative condition in older sheep and isn't believed to transmit under natural conditions.

Stein recommends working with your veterinarian to improve biosecurity measures on your farm.

"Having your animals tested so you know the status is one step, and maybe limiting the amount of new animals you bring in reduces your risk."

She adds the CFIA is working with Alberta Lamb Producers to get information out as quickly as possible, and updates can be found on the Association's social media or website.

 

Send your news tips, story ideas and comments to jgiles@goldenwestradio.com

Follow on Twitter @GoldenWestABAg @JessicaR_Giles