Scrapie is a transmissible degenerative disease of the nervous system of sheep characterized by a long incubation period and a protracted, debilitating degeneration of the central nervous system. Changes produced in the brain are microscopic. There is no inflammatory response and no immunity produced by the disease.

In the past, no test was available to ensure freedom from the disease. Buyers relied on the integrity of the seller. VITA-TECH now tests for Scrapie. Scrapie is a disease that has caused serious economic loss to the producer. Since Scrapie has a long incubation period, newly purchased sheep must be quarantined from the flock if they are not tested pre-purchase. Costs associated with the quarantine are greater than the cost of the test. It is therefore important to test for Scrapie to ensure ewes and rams are Scrapie free pre-purchase and positively effect the producer's economy.

This folder contains VITA-TECH's recent sheep advertisement. The ad raises awareness for the necessity of DNA testing. You will also find our fax requisition form for the Scrapie and Spider DNA tests. The form outlines the tests and provides instruction for sample collection and submission.

Spider Lamb Syndrome (SLS) is a genetic recessive disorder causing skeletal deformities in young lambs. Sheep that are carriers of the mutated gene look normal, but could produce a Spider lamb when mated with another Spider Gene carrier. Without DNA testing a carrier can only be identified when they produce a Spider Lamb, resulting in economic loss. It is important to test for Spider Gene before mating.

VITA-TECH's patented DNA-based Spider gene test identifies whether an animal is homozygous normal (NN) and genetically "clean" or heterozygous (NS) and a Spider carrier capable of producing spider lambs when mated to another carrier.

The Genmark Spider Gene test can clarify whether or not a "gray-pedigreed" individual truly is a Spider carrier.

Sheep Test Order Form