Scrapie

What is scrapie?

Scrapie belongs to the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) group of diseases. It is a fatal brain disease of sheep and occasionally goats. The agent causing the infection is thought to be an infectious protein called a prion.

The way in which the disease is contracted and spread is not fully understood.

The disease occurs in Great Britain and many other countries. Australia and New Zealand are free of scrapie.

Clinical signs

There are many clinical signs, which develop gradually months or years after the animal has become infected. These include skin irritation, excitability, hind limb weakness and loss of condition.

The weight of evidence available shows that the agent does not affect people.

Recent research

There appears to be a genetic factor with regard to the transmission of scrapie. New sensitive diagnostic tests have shown that the genotypes, previously thought to show greater resistance to scrapie infection, have an atypical form of the disease. This disease was first described in Norway in 1998. 

Tests

The ovine PrP 3 codon genotyping (TC0805) listed in the Test Price Lists, provides the ovine PrP genotype at codons 136, 154 & 171 by partial sequencing of the PrP gene open reading frame to determine DNA polymorphisms and associated codon changes.

To submit samples please use the dedicated submission form (word 72kb).

VLA is authorised by Defra to provide test certificates for export purposes.