NR AXRT
AU Luz,V.; Marques Pinto,M.J; Silva,J.; Machado,C.; Orge,L.
TI Control Measures for Atypical Scrapie in Portugal
QU International Conference - Prion 2007 (26.-28.9.2007) Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Book of Abstracts: Epidemiology, Risk Assessment and Transmission P04.02
IA http://www.prion2007.com/pdf/Prion Book of Abstracts.pdf
PT Konferenz-Poster
AB
As a consequence of the intensive surveillance for TSE in small ruminants, until March 2007, all the cases of portuguese sheep (n=172) with PrPres deposition in the central nervous system have been showing a different pattern of distribution in the brainstem as well as distinct electrophoretic profile from that observed for scrapie. The detected PrPres electrophoretic profile has been of the same range and pattern as that described for Nor 98. The Prnp genotyping revealed a variety of genotypes, including genotypes rarely associated with classical scrapie. Despite the extended TSE surveillance in the small ruminants, no classical scrapie has been diagnosed in portuguese sheep which raised questions on the applicability of the mandatory control measures in classical scrapie affected flocks to the atypical ones.
This work reports the scrapie epidemiological situation in Portugal and the control measures that have been adopted to the portuguese scenario.
The portuguese scrapie situation will be characterized by the sampling and analytical procedures, the geographical distribution, mean age, clinical signs and Prnp profile of the detected positive cases. Based on those different features and the fact that BSE was excluded, Portugal developped an alternative strategy to the compulsory culling policy. Briefly, the affected flocks are placed under intensive surveillance for a 2- year period with movement restrictions, Prnp genotyping of all adult sheep, electronic identification of all small ruminants and PrPres testing of all small ruminants over 18 months slaughtered for human consumption and over 12 months in the fallen stock.
The experienced control measures during 3 years will be presented with preliminary results regarding the cohorts testing and Prnp genotyping as well as the faced difficulties.
AD V. Luz, M.J Marques Pinto, Direcção Geral de Veterinária, Direcção de Serviços de Planeamento, Gabinete EEB, Portugal; J. Silva, C. Machado, L. Orge, Laboratório Nacional de Investigação Veterinária, Unidade de BSE, Portugal
SP englisch
PO Schottland