We wanted to share some information on the USDA Scrapie program for thoes of you who may have a small herd or just getting into raising sheep.
Scrapie is a disease that affects the central nervous system of sheep and goats. Scrapie is a degenerative disease and can be fatal. A two to five year incubation period can mask the devistation on the flock. The disease can be transmitted between animals with a high percentage of infection. The most common breed of sheep prone to Scrapie are the Suffolk and North Country Chivot however all sheep and goats are suseptable.
An infected sheep rubs its head and rump against buildings or fences, becomes very nervous and develops muscular tremors.
The USDA offers a voulantary Scrapie inspection program. CLICK HERE
Our East Friesians are enrolled in a mandatory USDA Scrapie program for exportaion of animals, embryos and semen. We recommend that everyone producing sheep or goats enroll their animals asap!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Andy Karras - Owner
Karras Farm specializes in breeding East Friesian Dairy Sheep. We have been in the dairy sheep business since the late 1800's starting in Greece. Four generations later we are still commited to breeding the highest quality and genetically pure East Friesian Sheep in the world. In 1994 we moved our operation to North Carolina with the same focus of excellence to our animals and customers.
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