SCRAPIE Meaning and
Definition
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Scrapie is a transmissible and fatal degenerative disease that affects the nervous system of sheep and occasionally goats. It is classified as a prion disease, which means it is caused by an abnormally folded protein called prion. Scrapie is characterized by the accumulation of these abnormally folded proteins in the brain and spinal cord, leading to neuronal damage and the development of clinical symptoms.
The term "scrapie" originated from the symptoms exhibited by affected animals, particularly the intense itching and rubbing against objects, which causes the wool to fall off in patches, giving the appearance of scrapes on the skin.
Symptoms of scrapie usually manifest in sheep aged 2 to 5 years old, including behavioral changes, such as nervousness, tremors, and abnormal gait. As the disease progresses, affected animals become emaciated, weak, and may display signs of intense itching, leading to self-mutilation. The incubation period from infection to clinical symptoms can vary from several months to several years.
Scrapie is not considered zoonotic, meaning it does not transmit to humans. However, it is highly contagious among susceptible animals within the same flock, and the disease can persist in the environment for an extended period. Therefore, control and prevention measures, including strict biosecurity protocols and culling of infected animals, are essential to prevent the spread of scrapie within sheep populations.
Common Misspellings for SCRAPIE
Etymology of SCRAPIE
The word "scrapie" has an uncertain etymology. It was first described as a disease affecting sheep in the early 18th century, and the term "scrapie" first appeared in English in the mid-18th century. The exact origin of the word is unclear, but various theories have been proposed.
1. One theory suggests that "scrapie" may have derived from the Middle English word "scrape", which means to scratch or scrape. This theory suggests that the name refers to the sheep's behavior of rubbing or scraping against objects due to the intense itching caused by the disease.
2. Another theory proposes that "scrapie" may have originated from the Old Norse word "skrap", meaning "to scrape or scratch". It is suggested that the name was influenced by Scandinavian languages due to the historical importance of sheep farming in those regions.
Similar spelling words for SCRAPIE
- scrappily,
- scrapper,
- scarf,
- scarpelli,
- scrape,
- scraped,
- scrapbook,
- schrupp,
- scrapheap,
- scarfpin,
- scrabble,
- scorpion,
- scurf,
- scirpus,
- scarpino,
- scraps,
- scorpaena,
- schriver,
- scraping,
- scorpaenid,
- scarp,
- scorpius,
- scrap,
- scrape by,
- Scarber,
- scrape up,
- scarper,
- scrappy,
- scarpa,
- schryver,
- scorpio,
- scraper,
- scarface,
- scrip.
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