Atypical Scrapie in UK Sheep Flock
Author Information
Author(s): Hugh A Simmons, Marion M Simmons, Yvonne I Spencer, Melanie J Chaplin, Gill Povey, Andrew Davis, Angel Ortiz-Pelaez, Nora Hunter, Danny Matthews, Anthony E Wrathall
Primary Institution: Veterinary Laboratories Agency
Hypothesis
Can atypical scrapie occur spontaneously in sheep that are free from classical scrapie?
Conclusion
The three cases of atypical scrapie likely arose spontaneously rather than from an external source.
Supporting Evidence
- Three cases of atypical scrapie were confirmed in sheep from a research flock.
- All affected sheep were older Cheviots with specific genotypes.
- Two of the three sheep showed no clinical signs before death.
Takeaway
Some sheep in a special flock in the UK got a rare disease called atypical scrapie, which might happen on its own, even when the flock is supposed to be healthy.
Methodology
The study involved monitoring sheep for signs of atypical scrapie and conducting post-mortem examinations and tests on brain tissue.
Limitations
The study could not definitively determine the origin of the atypical scrapie cases due to the closed nature of the flock and limited testing of older sheep.
Participant Demographics
All affected sheep were Cheviot breed and of relatively advanced ages.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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