Some animals also will bite at their legs and pull wool from their sides. Affected goats are less likely to rub against fixed objects, but will scratch vigorously with their hind feet and horns. As there is no treatment, death is inevitable within one to six months after the onset of clinical signs. External parasites, listeriosis, pregnancy toxemia, plant poisoning, OPP, lead poisoning, rabies, pseudorabies and brain abscesses may all display similar clinical signs. At present there are no blood tests, cell cultures or other practical live animal diagnostic procedures.
Prevention is based on maintaining a closed flock.
Past eradications procedures have failed, due in part to producer noncompliance and inadequate identification systems with federal regulations requiring destruction of infected and exposed animals. Individual state regulations vary, making it necessary to contact your state and federal veterinarian to determine the best procedures. It's principle is to measure the absence of scrapie over time while simultaneously incorporating specific flock management plans, trace-back procedures, postmortem examinations, and permanent identification.