What national program is intended for the eradication of scrapie?

The focus on genetic selection for resistance is a key strategy in the national program aimed at eradicating scrapie. Scrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy that primarily affects sheep and goats, and it is caused by prions. Genetic selection plays a vital role in controlling and ultimately eliminating the disease from populations.

By identifying and breeding individuals with genetic traits that confer resistance to scrapie, the program aims to reduce the incidence of the disease over generations. This strategy not only helps to improve the overall health of the livestock but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of sheep and goat farming. Genetic resistance decreases the likelihood that infected individuals will propagate the prion and transmit it to other animals. This approach is rooted in scientific research that has identified specific genetic markers associated with resistance to scrapie.

Other approaches, such as the physical removal of infected animals, while necessary for immediate control measures, do not address the underlying genetic susceptibilities of the remaining population or lead to a sustainable solution in the long term. Public awareness programs and the promotion of imported animals may help in certain contexts but do not directly contribute to the genetic foundation needed to eradicate the disease. Thus, genetic selection is a proactive and effective measure in the fight against scrapie, making