The Present of Scrapie and the Result of Breeding Program in Europe and Cyprus

Scrapie is a fatal neuro-degenerative disease of sheep and goats belongs to the group of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSEs). Classical scrapie resistance and susceptibility are closely related to PrP Gene polymorphism (ARR, ARQ, VRQ, and AHQ ARH) in sheep. The ARR / ARR genotype is the most resistant. Subsequent annual testing campaigns among the animals at risk were done in Europe from 2001 to 2015 showed that the goat had at least 16 silent mutation of a specific study of PrP distribution. In 2014, the test in sheep and goats carried out under the frame work of the TSE monitoring programs in E.U showed that 1.015 out 325.530 sheep and 1.437 out of 127.016 goats turned out positive to classical Scrapie. There are Scrapie cases reported in both south and north Cyprus. Infected herds in Southern Cyprus represent 22.6% (2014) of total active sheep and goat herds. It has been also known that there are Scrapie cases in Northern Cyprus although there is no official data recorded. Some sheep breeds have the highest ARR / ARR allele like Canadian Arcott with 39.3%, Dorset Down with 28.9%, and Polypay with 26.8%. Among the sheep breeds, the Chios has the highest level of ARR allele with 38% in Turkey and 32.5% in North Cyprus while the lowest level (5.9%) was seen in Awassi in Turkey. In the TSE eradication program applied in Europe (2015): 1.When BSE cannot be excluded, all animals > 18 months killed for destruction shall be tested for TSE.2. When TSE and atypical Scrapie can be excluded, option A; Killing and complete destruction or slaughter for human consumption (SHC) of all animals. Option B: Killing and complete destruction of the susceptible animals only. Option C: No mandatory killing and complete destruction of animals. In Europe, selected male animals which have ARR / ARR gene are used in breeding program. As a result of the breeding programs implemented in Europe; 1108 Scrapie cases reported in 2002 decreased to 685 in 2016.

Keywords:

Scrapie, TSE, Ovine, Caprine Europe, Cyprus,

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