INFORMATION BULLETIN
Date: 9 May 2007
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Update on atypical scrapie found in a sheep flock considered to be TSE free
Last November Defra reported that the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) had detected a single case of atypical scrapie in a research flock considered to be free of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs).
Because the origin of this case was unclear Defra's Chief Scientific Adviser, Howard Dalton asked the independent UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) to audit the biosecurity and associated procedures at the research site, and the procedures surrounding tissue sampling and handling. Their report has now been received and is published today, together with observations from the VLA.
In summary, there was no evidence of errors in the collection of samples or any one specific breach of biosecurity that could be identified as a cause of introduction of atypical scrapie.
Some minor issues with sample handling and record keeping were identified , but these did not affect identification of sample provenance. The report notes the overall high standard of the record keeping at both VLA and ADAS.
As the cause of atypical scrapie is not yet fully understood it was noted in November that the possible origin of this case may never be clear. The report has not confirmed the precise origin of the infection in this case and has not identified a specific incident that can be said to be the cause.
The report will be discussed by the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) at their meeting on 10th May. They will consider the relevance of its findings to the occurrence of scrapie on the site, for TSEs in general, if it sheds any light on the nature and spread of atypical scrapie, and any impact on current research, or other research that may be done.
Notes to editors
1. More information about atypical scrapie can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/bse/othertses/scrapie/nsp/atypicalcases/index.htm
2. A copy of the UKAS report can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/bse/othertses/scrapie/nsp/pdf/assessment_report.pdf
3. A copy of the VLA’s observations can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/bse/othertses/scrapie/nsp/pdf/vla_observations.pdf
End
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Page published: 9 May 2007