You used to have to wait for them to die and test their brains to tell if they had scrapie. Today, scientists are working on a new test so that you do not have to wait that long. Veterinarians can take a small part of the third eyelid and test it for scrapie. This new test, when validated, will give sheep owners help in finding and stopping the spread of the disease. Sheep get scrapie from other sheep or from where they have given birth.
Scientists think that it is passed mostly during the birthing process.
The disease can get inside through the mouth or broken skin. It then goes to the lymph tissues and to the brain. Since the animal cannot do any of these things, it dies. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.