What type of disease is scrapies specifically classified as?

Scrapie is classified as an infectious disease because it is caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins that can induce abnormal folding of normal cellular proteins in the brain. This abnormality leads to a progressive neurodegenerative condition primarily affecting sheep and goats. Being infectious, scrapie can be transmitted between animals, often through exposure to contaminated environments, such as feed and bedding that has been in contact with infected animals. This classification distinguishes scrapie from autoimmune diseases, which are caused by the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues, mental health conditions, which pertain to psychological or emotional disorders, and respiratory conditions, which affect the lungs and breathing. Understanding the nature of scrapie as an infectious disease highlights the importance of biosecurity measures to control its spread in affected livestock populations.