Scrapie (noun)

A degenerative neurological disorder that affects sheep and goats.

Origin:

The word 'scrapie' is derived from the verb 'to scrape', referring to the characteristic symptoms of the disease, in which affected animals scrape away their hair or fur as a result of itching and discomfort.

Examples:

1. Scrapie is a debilitating disease that can lead to death in affected animals.
2. The veterinarian diagnosed the sheep with scrapie after observing symptoms such as weight loss and scratching.
3. The farmer was devastated when he learned that his entire herd had been infected with scrapie.
4. Scrapie is highly contagious and can spread quickly through a herd of sheep or goats.
5. Research into scrapie has led to a better understanding of degenerative neurological disorders in animals and humans.