First confirmed sheep scrapie with A136R154Q171 genotype in Slovakia

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Health
• Prion Diseases

Background:

• Scrapie is a fatal, neurodegenerative prion disease affecting sheep and goats.
• Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) pose a significant threat to animal health and potentially public health.
• Slovakia has implemented compulsory screening for TSEs in sheep.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first confirmed case of scrapie in Slovakia.
• To characterize the prion strain and genetic profile of the affected sheep.
• To emphasize the importance of ongoing TSE surveillance programs.

Main Methods:

• Compulsory transmissible spongiform encephalitis (TSE) screening of sheep over 9 months old.
• Immunochemical analysis using Prionics Check (Western blot) and Enfer TSE enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect proteinase-resistant prion protein (PrP).
• Genotyping analysis of the PrP gene to determine the risk genotype.

Main Results:

• Confirmed the first evidence of scrapie in Slovakia in an autochthonous Merino breed sheep.
• The affected 5-year-old ewe showed no clinical signs but tested positive for PrP.
• Genotyping revealed the sheep was homozygous for the high-risk PrP genotype ARQ/ARQ.

Conclusions:

• The detection of scrapie in Slovakia underscores the need for continued vigilance and robust surveillance systems.
• The genetic profile (ARQ/ARQ) of the affected sheep is associated with a higher risk of developing scrapie.
• Early detection through routine screening is crucial for managing and controlling prion diseases in livestock populations.