2018 SCRAPIE/Q FEVER EDUCATION SUB-GRANT PROGRAM
The American Goat Federation (AGF) is offering several individual grants to state, regional and national organizations willing to provide information to goat producers about two subjects: 1) why Scrapie Eradication is important to goat producers, and 2) the threat of Q Fever to goat herds. These grants are made possible through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS). Twenty-five percent of each grant may be used for Q-Fever education. Any goat organization that can show it will reach a large number of producers and goat owners is welcome to apply for a grant and submit a plan on how they will execute the program.
2017 USDA-APHIS Update on Scrapie
GENETIC TESTING FOR SCRAPIE RESISTANCE IS NOW AVAILABLE
The VGL Laboratory at UC Davis has added genetic testing for resistance to scrapie in Goats to their list of available services. This testing and the coding is similar what was developed for sheep and what those producers used to clear scrapie-prone sheep from their flocks.
The current cost for this test is $30.00 per goat. The American Dairy Goat Association will offer discounted prices for this test to their members and in all likelihood, other breed registry association may follow suite.
Scrapie Goat Genetic Test Info