SCRAPIE VIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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Scrapie virus is a term used to describe the infectious agent responsible for causing scrapie, a degenerative neurological disease that affects sheep and goats. It is classified as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), a group of diseases characterized by the accumulation of abnormal prion proteins in the brain, leading to the progressive deterioration of nervous tissue.
The scrapie virus is a small, proteinaceous infectious particle that primarily affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, of infected animals. It is highly resilient and can withstand various environmental conditions, remaining infective for an extended period. The virus can be transmitted horizontally between animals through oral ingestion of contaminated materials, such as placenta, birthing fluids, and feed. Vertical transmission from an infected mother to her offspring is also possible.
Clinical signs of scrapie typically include behavioral changes, such as nervousness and itchiness, followed by physical symptoms like weight loss, tremors, and incoordination. As the disease progresses, affected animals may exhibit intense pruritus (itching), leading to self-inflicted injuries and wool loss. However, the incubation period can be quite long, ranging from months to years, before overt clinical signs appear.
Efforts to control scrapie virus transmission involve the implementation of strict management and biosecurity measures, including the identification and culling of infected and genetically susceptible animals. It is crucial to prevent the spread of scrapie virus as there is currently no cure for scrapie, making prevention and control strategies essential in managing outbreaks and reducing disease prevalence in sheep and goat populations.
Common Misspellings for SCRAPIE VIRUS
- acrapie virus
- zcrapie virus
- xcrapie virus
- dcrapie virus
- ecrapie virus
- wcrapie virus
- sxrapie virus
- svrapie virus
- sfrapie virus
- sdrapie virus
- sceapie virus
- scdapie virus
- scfapie virus
- sctapie virus
- sc5apie virus
- sc4apie virus
- scrzpie virus
- scrspie virus
- scrwpie virus
- scrqpie virus
Etymology of SCRAPIE VIRUS
The word "scrapie" derives from the Middle English term "scrapen", meaning "to scratch or scrape", which originally referred to the incessant itching and scratching behavior observed in infected sheep. The disease was first recognized in the early 18th century in British flocks and received its name from this characteristic symptom. "Virus" comes from the Latin word "virus", meaning "poison" or "slimy liquid", and was initially used to describe any agent capable of causing infectious disease.
