Scrapie and Nor-98 Scrapie November 2009 Monthly Report Fiscal Year 2010 and FISCAL YEAR 2008

Thursday, January 07, 2010 Scrapie and Nor-98 Scrapie November 2009 Monthly Report Fiscal Year 2010 and FISCAL YEAR 2008

November 2009 Monthly Report Fiscal Year 2010

Positive Scrapie Cases

As of November 30, 2009, 16 positive cases in sheep or goats were reported by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL); 13 were field cases and 3 were Regulatory Scrapie Slaughter Surveillance (RSSS) cases collected between October 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009 and confirmed by December 18, 2009 (Figure 7). Field cases are positive animals tested as part of a disease investigation including potentially exposed, exposed, and suspect animals. TWENTY ONE cases of scrapie in goats have been confirmed by NVSL since implementation of the regulatory changes in FY 2002 (Figure 8). The most recent positive goat case was confirmed rectal biopsy positive in November 2009 and originated in the same herd in Michigan as the positive goat cases that were found in FY 2008. The positive goat has been held in quarantine for research by USDA's Agricultural Research Service since 2008.

snip...

Does not include Nor98-like Scrapie cases found through RSSS (2 in FY 2007 and 1 in FY 2008)

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/downloads/monthly_scrapie_rpt.pps


SCRAPIE USA REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2008

Positive Scrapie Cases

As of September 30, 2008, 176 new scrapie cases were confirmed and reported by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in FY 2008 (Figure 5). Of these, 134 were field cases and 42* were Regulatory Scrapie Slaughter Surveillance (RSSS) cases (collected between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008) (Slide 15). The field case total includes multiple cases from the same flocks. One of the positive field cases was genotyped as AAQR. THIS IS THE FIRST CONFIRMED CASE OF CLASSICAL SCRAPIE IN THE UNITED STATES IN A SHEEP OF THIS GENOTYPE. THE ONLY WHITE-FACED RSSS POSITIVE WAS COMPATIBLE WITH NOR98-LIKE SCRAPIE. Nineteen cases of scrapie in goats have been confirmed by NVSL since implementation of the regulatory changes in FY 2002 (Figure 6) including five goat cases in FY 2008 that originated from the same herd in Michigan.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/downloads/yearly_report.pps



Greetings,

(Figure 6) including five goat cases in FY 2008 that originated from the same herd in Michigan.

This is highly unusual for goats, and I strenuously urge that there should be an independent investigation into finding the common denominator for these 5 goats in the same herd in Michigan with Scrapie. ...

Kind Regards, Terry

Monday, December 14, 2009

Similarities between Forms of Sheep Scrapie and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Are Encoded by Distinct Prion Types

Sporadic CJD type 1 and atypical/ Nor98 scrapie are characterized by fine

(reticular) deposits,

http://nor-98.blogspot.com/2009/12/similarities-between-forms-of-sheep.html


see also ;

All of the Heidenhain variants were of the methionine/ methionine type 1

molecular subtype.

http://cjdusa.blogspot.com/2009/09/co-existence-of-scrapie-prion-protein.html


Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Nor98 scrapie identified in the United States J Vet Diagn Invest 21:454-463 (2009)

http://nor-98.blogspot.com/2009/07/nor98-scrapie-identified-in-united.html


Tuesday, June 3, 2008

SCRAPIE USA UPDATE JUNE 2008 NOR-98 REPORTED PA

http://nor-98.blogspot.com/2008/06/scrapie-usa-update-june-2008-nor-98.html


Monday, November 30, 2009

USDA AND OIE COLLABORATE TO EXCLUDE ATYPICAL SCRAPIE NOR-98 ANIMAL HEALTH CODE

http://nor-98.blogspot.com/2009/11/usda-and-oie-collaborate-to-exclude.html


Monday, December 1, 2008

When Atypical Scrapie cross species barriers

http://nor-98.blogspot.com/2008/12/when-atypical-scrapie-cross-species.html


EVIDENCE OF SCRAPIE IN SHEEP AS A RESULT OF FOOD BORNE EXPOSURE

This is provided by the statistically significant increase in the incidence of sheep scrape from 1985, as determined from analyses of the submissions made to VI Centres, and from individual case and flock incident studies. ........

http://web.archive.org/web/20010305222246/www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/yb/1994/02/07002001.pdf



1: J Infect Dis 1980 Aug;142(2):205-8

Oral transmission of kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and scrapie to nonhuman primates.

Gibbs CJ Jr, Amyx HL, Bacote A, Masters CL, Gajdusek DC.

Kuru and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease of humans and scrapie disease of sheep and goats were transmitted to squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) that were exposed to the infectious agents only by their nonforced consumption of known infectious tissues. The asymptomatic incubation period in the one monkey exposed to the virus of kuru was 36 months; that in the two monkeys exposed to the virus of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease was 23 and 27 months, respectively; and that in the two monkeys exposed to the virus of scrapie was 25 and 32 months, respectively. Careful physical examination of the buccal cavities of all of the monkeys failed to reveal signs or oral lesions. One additional monkey similarly exposed to kuru has remained asymptomatic during the 39 months that it has been under observation.

snip...

The successful transmission of kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and scrapie by natural feeding to squirrel monkeys that we have reported provides further grounds for concern that scrapie-infected meat may occasionally give rise in humans to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

PMID: 6997404

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=6997404&dopt=Abstract



12/10/76

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL REPORT OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTE ON SCRAPIE Office Note CHAIRMAN: PROFESSOR PETER WILDY

snip...

A The Present Position with respect to Scrapie A] The Problem

Scrapie is a natural disease of sheep and goats. It is a slow and inexorably progressive degenerative disorder of the nervous system and it ia fatal. It is enzootic in the United Kingdom but not in all countries.

The field problem has been reviewed by a MAFF working group (ARC 35/77). It is difficult to assess the incidence in Britain for a variety of reasons but the disease causes serious financial loss; it is estimated that it cost Swaledale breeders alone $l.7 M during the five years 1971-1975. A further inestimable loss arises from the closure of certain export markets, in particular those of the United States, to British sheep.

It is clear that scrapie in sheep is important commercially and for that reason alone effective measures to control it should be devised as quickly as possible.

Recently the question has again been brought up as to whether scrapie is transmissible to man. This has followed reports that the disease has been transmitted to primates. One particularly lurid speculation (Gajdusek 1977) conjectures that the agents of scrapie, kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and transmissible encephalopathy of mink are varieties of a single "virus". The U.S. Department of Agriculture concluded that it could "no longer justify or permit scrapie-blood line and scrapie-exposed sheep and goats to be processed for human or animal food at slaughter or rendering plants" (ARC 84/77)" The problem is emphasised by the finding that some strains of scrapie produce lesions identical to the once which characterise the human dementias"

Whether true or not. the hypothesis that these agents might be transmissible to man raises two considerations. First, the safety of laboratory personnel requires prompt attention. Second, action such as the "scorched meat" policy of USDA makes the solution of the acrapie problem urgent if the sheep industry is not to suffer grievously.

snip...

76/10.12/4.6

http://web.archive.org/web/20010305223125/www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/yb/1976/10/12004001.pdf



Nature. 1972 Mar 10;236(5341):73-4.

Transmission of scrapie to the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis).

Gibbs CJ Jr, Gajdusek DC.

Nature 236, 73 - 74 (10 March 1972); doi:10.1038/236073a0

Transmission of Scrapie to the Cynomolgus Monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

C. J. GIBBS jun. & D. C. GAJDUSEK

National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland

SCRAPIE has been transmitted to the cynomolgus, or crab-eating, monkey (Macaca fascicularis) with an incubation period of more than 5 yr from the time of intracerebral inoculation of scrapie-infected mouse brain. The animal developed a chronic central nervous system degeneration, with ataxia, tremor and myoclonus with associated severe scrapie-like pathology of intensive astroglial hypertrophy and proliferation, neuronal vacuolation and status spongiosus of grey matter. The strain of scrapie virus used was the eighth passage in Swiss mice (NIH) of a Compton strain of scrapie obtained as ninth intracerebral passage of the agent in goat brain, from Dr R. L. Chandler (ARC, Compton, Berkshire).

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v236/n5341/abs/236073a0.html


Epidemiology of Scrapie in the United States 1977


http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/mb/m08b/tab64.pdf


http://web.archive.org/web/20030513212324/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/mb/m08b/tab64.pdf


Monday, September 1, 2008

RE-FOIA OF DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E. (PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [No. 00-072-1] September 1, 2008


http://foiamadsheepmadrivervalley.blogspot.com/2008/09/re-foia-of-declaration-of-extraordinary.html


Thursday, October 15, 2009

SCRAPIE UPDATE CANADA 2009 (typical and atypical cases)

http://scrapie-usa.blogspot.com/2009/10/scrapie-update-canada-2009-typical-and.html


Friday, May 29, 2009

Characterization of a U.S. Sheep Scrapie Isolate with Short Incubation Time

http://scrapie-usa.blogspot.com/2009/05/characterization-of-us-sheep-scrapie.html


Monday, August 03, 2009

Prions Are Secreted in Milk from Clinically Normal Scrapie-Exposed Sheep

http://scrapie-usa.blogspot.com/2009/08/prions-are-secreted-in-milk-from.html


November 2009 Monthly Report Fiscal Year 2010

Positive Scrapie Cases

As of November 30, 2009, 16 positive cases in sheep or goats were reported by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL); 13 were field cases and 3 were Regulatory Scrapie Slaughter Surveillance (RSSS) cases collected between October 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009 and confirmed by December 18, 2009 (Figure 7). Field cases are positive animals tested as part of a disease investigation including potentially exposed, exposed, and suspect animals. TWENTY ONE cases of scrapie in goats have been confirmed by NVSL since implementation of the regulatory changes in FY 2002 (Figure 8). The most recent positive goat case was confirmed rectal biopsy positive in November 2009 and originated in the same herd in Michigan as the positive goat cases that were found in FY 2008. The positive goat has been held in quarantine for research by USDA's Agricultural Research Service since 2008.

snip...

Does not include Nor98-like Scrapie cases found through RSSS (2 in FY 2007 and 1 in FY 2008)

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/downloads/monthly_scrapie_rpt.pps



SCRAPIE USA REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2008

Positive Scrapie Cases

As of September 30, 2008, 176 new scrapie cases were confirmed and reported by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in FY 2008 (Figure 5). Of these, 134 were field cases and 42* were Regulatory Scrapie Slaughter Surveillance (RSSS) cases (collected between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008) (Slide 15). The field case total includes multiple cases from the same flocks. One of the positive field cases was genotyped as AAQR. THIS IS THE FIRST CONFIRMED CASE OF CLASSICAL SCRAPIE IN THE UNITED STATES IN A SHEEP OF THIS GENOTYPE. THE ONLY WHITE-FACED RSSS POSITIVE WAS COMPATIBLE WITH NOR98-LIKE SCRAPIE. Nineteen cases of scrapie in goats have been confirmed by NVSL since implementation of the regulatory changes in FY 2002 (Figure 6) including five goat cases in FY 2008 that originated from the same herd in Michigan.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/downloads/yearly_report.pps


Greetings,

(Figure 6) including five goat cases in FY 2008 that originated from the same herd in Michigan.

This is highly unusual for goats, and I strenuously urge that there should be an independent investigation into finding the common denominator for these 5 goats in the same herd in Michigan with Scrapie. ...

Kind Regards, Terry


http://nor-98.blogspot.com/


http://scrapie-usa.blogspot.com/


Thursday, January 07, 2010

Scientific Opinion on Risk of transmission of TSEs via semen and embryo transfer in small ruminants (sheep and goats)

News Story 6 January 2010

http://scrapie-usa.blogspot.com/2010/01/scientific-opinion-on-risk-of.html

Scientific Opinion on Risk of transmission of TSEs via semen and embryo transfer in small ruminants (sheep and goats)

News Story
6 January 2010

EFSA considers the risk of TSE transmission via embryo transfer and artificial insemination in small ruminants In an opinion published today, EFSA’s Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) said that the risk of transmission of Classical scrapie through artificial insemination and embryo transfer in sheep and goats ranges from negligible to low. Experts stressed however, that data are not sufficient to conclude that the risk is negligible.

Because of similarities in the disease development process for Classical scrapie and BSE in small ruminants, experts considered the conclusions for Classical scrapie to be also valid for BSE. They could not assess the risk posed by Atypical scrapie – another Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) – due to lack of knowledge about the developmental process for this particular disease and about the distribution of the infective agent in affected animals.

After reviewing all available scientific information in the field, experts stressed that there is a iatrogenic risk of TSE transmission, that is risk inherent to the artificial insemination and embryo transfer activities themselves; for instance, through the use of animal-derived hormones associated with such procedures. Moreover, in its opinion the BIOHAZ Panel pointed out that the absence of reliable figures on the annual number of artificial inseminations and embryo transfers in small ruminants in the EU hampers the quantitative assessment of the risk of TSE transmission linked to these practices. Experts made some recommendations which could reduce the risk of TSE transmission associated with these reproductive technologies and facilitate future risk assessments in this area.

Scientific Opinion on Risk of transmission of TSEs via semen and embryo transfer in small ruminants (sheep and goats) For media enquiries, please contact: Andrew Cutting, Press Officer or Steve Pagani, Head of Press Office Tel: +39 0521 036149 Email: Press@efsa.europa.eu


http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/biohaz100106.htm




Scientific Opinion on Risk of transmission of TSEs via semen and embryo transfer in small ruminants (sheep and goats) Question number: EFSA-Q-2009-00620

Adopted: 10 October 2009 Summary (31 KB)


http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/doc/s1429.pdf




Opinion (440 KB)



http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/doc/1429.pdf




Summary

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the Risk of transmission of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) via semen and embryo transfer in small ruminants (sheep and goats).

Regulation (EC) No 999/2001[1] of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain TSEs sets the specific restrictions on the placing on the market, export and import of the semen and embryos of the ovine and caprine animals.

Three articles were recently published [2,3,4] as regard to the TSE transmission risk through artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET) techniques in small ruminants. These articles suggest that this risk would be very low or negligible.

In the light of these new data the European Commission (EC) requested EFSA to provide a scientific opinion concerning the risk of transmission of TSEs via semen and embryo transfer of small ruminants (sheep and goats).

The TSE agents considered in the assessment were: Classical scrapie, Atypical scrapie and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). The risk assessment was mainly performed using data obtained in sheep. Because of the lack of specific data in goats, and because the high similarities of TSE pathogenesis between sheep and goats, this assessment was considered to be also valid in goats.

The BIOHAZ Panel considered all available scientific information related to TSE transmission via semen and embryos in small ruminants.

The Panel concluded that the risk of TSE transmission associated with semen and embryos collected from Classical Scrapie incubating sheep and goats ranges from negligible to low. However, data are insufficient to conclude that such a risk is negligible. Because of the similarities between Classical scrapie and BSE pathogenesis in small ruminants, these conclusions are also to be considered valid for BSE.

The BIOHAZ Panel considered that at this stage, the assessment of the risk of transmission by semen or embryos collected from sheep or goats affected by Atypical scrapie is not possible because of a lack of knowledge on the pathogenesis and anatomical distribution of the Atypical scrapie agent within affected animals.

Furthermore, it was highlighted that there is an inherent but unquantifiable risk of iatrogenic TSE transmission that is associated with artificial insemination and embryo transfer procedures (use of animal-derived hormones and surgical devices).

The Panel noted that absence of reliable figures on the annual number of artificial inseminations and embryo transfers performed in small ruminants in the European Union (EU) Members States hampers the quantitative assessment of the potential impact of an artificial insemination and embryo transfer transmission risk on TSE prevalence in the EU small ruminant population.

The BIOHAZ Panel recommended further assessing the Classical scrapie and BSE transmission risk associated with small ruminants semen and embryos for infectivity, using highly sensitive animal models, in semen and embryos collected from a statistically significant number of TSE infected animals bearing susceptible PrP genotypes at different stages of the disease and with different TSE agents. Moreover, specific data about pathogenesis and anatomical distribution of the Atypical scrapie agent should be generated. Investigations should include small ruminant males and females at different stages of the reproductive cycle.

The Panel further recommended the promotion of procedures to limit the risk of iatrogenic transmission of TSEs associated with ET and AI. In particular, the replacement of ruminant-derived hormones by recombinant proteins should be considered.

The BIOHAZ Panel advised that a database recording the AIs and ETs performed every year in the EU should be established.

Finally the Panel emphasised that homozygous and heterozygous ARR rams and ewes as donors and recipients would minimise the risk of Classical scrapie and BSE transmission that could be associated with reproductive technologies. Similarly, once clarified and if validated, resistant-genotype he-goats and she-goats as donors and recipients would minimise the risk of Classical scrapie and BSE transmission that could be associated with reproductive technologies.


Published: 6 January 2010 -------------------------------------------------------------


[1] Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. European Community, OJ L 147, 31.5.2001, p. 1-40. [2] Sarradin P, Melo S, Barc C, Lecomte C, Andreoletti O, Lantier F, Dacheux JL and Gatti JL, 2008. Semen from scrapie-infected rams does not transmit prion infection to transgenic mice. Reproduction, 135, 415-8. [3] Wrathall AE, Holyoak GR, Parsonson IM and Simmons HA, 2008. Risks of transmitting ruminant spongiform encephalopathies (prion diseases) by semen and embryo transfer techniques. Theriogenology, 70, 725-45. [4] Low JC, Chambers J, McKelvey WA, McKendrick IJ and Jeffrey M, 2009. Failure to transmit scrapie infection by transferring preimplantation embryos from naturally infected donor sheep. Theriogenology,72, 809-16.



http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/scdoc/1429.htm




Monday, December 14, 2009

Similarities between Forms of Sheep Scrapie and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Are Encoded by Distinct Prion Types




> Sporadic CJD type 1 and atypical/ Nor98 scrapie are characterized by fine

> (reticular) deposits,



http://nor-98.blogspot.com/2009/12/similarities-between-forms-of-sheep.html




see also ;


> All of the Heidenhain variants were of the methionine/ methionine type 1

> molecular subtype.



http://cjdusa.blogspot.com/2009/09/co-existence-of-scrapie-prion-protein.html





Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Nor98 scrapie identified in the United States J Vet Diagn Invest 21:454-463 (2009)


http://nor-98.blogspot.com/2009/07/nor98-scrapie-identified-in-united.html



Tuesday, June 3, 2008


SCRAPIE USA UPDATE JUNE 2008 NOR-98 REPORTED PA


http://nor-98.blogspot.com/2008/06/scrapie-usa-update-june-2008-nor-98.html




Monday, November 30, 2009

USDA AND OIE COLLABORATE TO EXCLUDE ATYPICAL SCRAPIE NOR-98 ANIMAL HEALTH CODE


http://nor-98.blogspot.com/2009/11/usda-and-oie-collaborate-to-exclude.html



Monday, December 1, 2008

When Atypical Scrapie cross species barriers


http://nor-98.blogspot.com/2008/12/when-atypical-scrapie-cross-species.html



EVIDENCE OF SCRAPIE IN SHEEP AS A RESULT OF FOOD BORNE EXPOSURE

This is provided by the statistically significant increase in the incidence
of sheep scrape from 1985, as determined from analyses of the submissions
made to VI Centres, and from individual case and flock incident studies.
........

http://web.archive.org/web/20010305222246/www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/yb/1994/02/07002001.pdf


1: J Infect Dis 1980 Aug;142(2):205-8

Oral transmission of kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and scrapie to
nonhuman primates.

Gibbs CJ Jr, Amyx HL, Bacote A, Masters CL, Gajdusek DC.

Kuru and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease of humans and scrapie disease of sheep
and goats were transmitted to squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) that were
exposed to the infectious agents only by their nonforced consumption of
known infectious tissues. The asymptomatic incubation period in the one
monkey exposed to the virus of kuru was 36 months; that in the two monkeys
exposed to the virus of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease was 23 and 27 months,
respectively; and that in the two monkeys exposed to the virus of scrapie
was 25 and 32 months, respectively. Careful physical examination of the
buccal cavities of all of the monkeys failed to reveal signs or oral
lesions. One additional monkey similarly exposed to kuru has remained
asymptomatic during the 39 months that it has been under observation.

snip...

The successful transmission of kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and scrapie
by natural feeding to squirrel monkeys that we have reported provides
further grounds for concern that scrapie-infected meat may occasionally give
rise in humans to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

PMID: 6997404

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=6997404&dopt=Abstract


12/10/76

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL REPORT OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTE ON
SCRAPIE Office Note CHAIRMAN: PROFESSOR PETER WILDY


snip...


A The Present Position with respect to Scrapie A] The Problem

Scrapie is a natural disease of sheep and goats. It is a slow and inexorably
progressive degenerative disorder of the nervous system and it ia fatal. It
is enzootic in the United Kingdom but not in all countries.

The field problem has been reviewed by a MAFF working group (ARC 35/77). It
is difficult to assess the incidence in Britain for a variety of reasons but
the disease causes serious financial loss; it is estimated that it cost
Swaledale breeders alone $l.7 M during the five years 1971-1975. A further
inestimable loss arises from the closure of certain export markets, in
particular those of the United States, to British sheep.

It is clear that scrapie in sheep is important commercially and for that
reason alone effective measures to control it should be devised as quickly
as possible.

Recently the question has again been brought up as to whether scrapie is
transmissible to man. This has followed reports that the disease has been
transmitted to primates. One particularly lurid speculation (Gajdusek 1977)
conjectures that the agents of scrapie, kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and
transmissible encephalopathy of mink are varieties of a single "virus". The
U.S. Department of Agriculture concluded that it could "no longer justify or
permit scrapie-blood line and scrapie-exposed sheep and goats to be
processed for human or animal food at slaughter or rendering plants" (ARC
84/77)" The problem is emphasised by the finding that some strains of
scrapie produce lesions identical to the once which characterise the human
dementias"

Whether true or not. the hypothesis that these agents might be transmissible
to man raises two considerations. First, the safety of laboratory personnel
requires prompt attention. Second, action such as the "scorched meat" policy
of USDA makes the solution of the acrapie problem urgent if the sheep
industry is not to suffer grievously.

snip...

76/10.12/4.6


http://web.archive.org/web/20010305223125/www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/yb/1976/10/12004001.pdf



Nature. 1972 Mar 10;236(5341):73-4.

Transmission of scrapie to the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis).
Gibbs CJ Jr, Gajdusek DC.

Nature 236, 73 - 74 (10 March 1972); doi:10.1038/236073a0

Transmission of Scrapie to the Cynomolgus Monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

C. J. GIBBS jun. & D. C. GAJDUSEK

National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland

SCRAPIE has been transmitted to the cynomolgus, or crab-eating, monkey
(Macaca fascicularis) with an incubation period of more than 5 yr from the
time of intracerebral inoculation of scrapie-infected mouse brain. The
animal developed a chronic central nervous system degeneration, with ataxia,
tremor and myoclonus with associated severe scrapie-like pathology of
intensive astroglial hypertrophy and proliferation, neuronal vacuolation and
status spongiosus of grey matter. The strain of scrapie virus used was the
eighth passage in Swiss mice (NIH) of a Compton strain of scrapie obtained
as ninth intracerebral passage of the agent in goat brain, from Dr R. L.
Chandler (ARC, Compton, Berkshire).


http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v236/n5341/abs/236073a0.html



Epidemiology of Scrapie in the United States 1977


http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/mb/m08b/tab64.pdf


http://web.archive.org/web/20030513212324/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/mb/m08b/tab64.pdf





Monday, September 1, 2008

RE-FOIA OF DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E. (PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [No. 00-072-1] September 1, 2008


http://foiamadsheepmadrivervalley.blogspot.com/2008/09/re-foia-of-declaration-of-extraordinary.html



Thursday, October 15, 2009

SCRAPIE UPDATE CANADA 2009 (typical and atypical cases)


http://scrapie-usa.blogspot.com/2009/10/scrapie-update-canada-2009-typical-and.html




Friday, May 29, 2009

Characterization of a U.S. Sheep Scrapie Isolate with Short Incubation Time


http://scrapie-usa.blogspot.com/2009/05/characterization-of-us-sheep-scrapie.html




Monday, August 03, 2009

Prions Are Secreted in Milk from Clinically Normal Scrapie-Exposed Sheep


http://scrapie-usa.blogspot.com/2009/08/prions-are-secreted-in-milk-from.html




November 2009 Monthly Report Fiscal Year 2010


Positive Scrapie Cases

As of November 30, 2009, 16 positive cases in sheep or goats were reported by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL); 13 were field cases and 3 were Regulatory Scrapie Slaughter Surveillance (RSSS) cases collected between October 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009 and confirmed by December 18, 2009 (Figure 7). Field cases are positive animals tested as part of a disease investigation including potentially exposed, exposed, and suspect animals. TWENTY ONE cases of scrapie in goats have been confirmed by NVSL since implementation of the regulatory changes in FY 2002 (Figure 8). The most recent positive goat case was confirmed rectal biopsy positive in November 2009 and originated in the same herd in Michigan as the positive goat cases that were found in FY 2008. The positive goat has been held in quarantine for research by USDA's Agricultural Research Service since 2008.

snip...

Does not include Nor98-like Scrapie cases found through RSSS (2 in FY 2007 and 1 in FY 2008)


http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/downloads/monthly_scrapie_rpt.pps



SCRAPIE USA REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2008

Positive Scrapie Cases

As of September 30, 2008, 176 new scrapie cases were confirmed and reported by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in FY 2008 (Figure 5). Of these, 134 were field cases and 42* were Regulatory Scrapie Slaughter Surveillance (RSSS) cases (collected between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008) (Slide 15). The field case total includes multiple cases from the same flocks. One of the positive field cases was genotyped as AAQR. THIS IS THE FIRST CONFIRMED CASE OF CLASSICAL SCRAPIE IN THE UNITED STATES IN A SHEEP OF THIS GENOTYPE. THE ONLY WHITE-FACED RSSS POSITIVE WAS COMPATIBLE WITH NOR98-LIKE SCRAPIE. Nineteen cases of scrapie in goats have been confirmed by NVSL since implementation of the regulatory changes in FY 2002 (Figure 6) including five goat cases in FY 2008 that originated from the same herd in Michigan.



http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/downloads/yearly_report.pps




Greetings,


> (Figure 6) including five goat cases in FY 2008 that originated from the same herd in Michigan.


This is highly unusual for goats, and I strenuously urge that there should be an independent investigation into finding the common denominator for these 5 goats in the same herd in Michigan with Scrapie. ...


Kind Regards,
Terry



http://nor-98.blogspot.com/



http://scrapie-usa.blogspot.com/

ARS and Partners Set Their Sights on Scrapie in Goats (live test)

ARS and Partners Set Their Sights on Scrapie in Goats

ARS scientists at the Animal Disease Research Unit in Pullman, Washington, are using a new live-animal test for scrapie in goats and studying genes for resistance to the disease. Here, microbiologist Katherine O’Rourke looks over twin goats born to a naturally scrapie-infected mother. The twins have different genotypes that will be studied for disease susceptibility and resistance. (D1362-1)

Goats are tough, spirited animals. But they’re no match for scrapie, a form of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. In goats—and sheep—the degenerative disease causes tremors, lip-smacking, weight loss, a hopping gait, and other peculiar symptoms. Scrapie-afflicted animals cannot be cured, and they eventually die.

Since 2001, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has coordinated an accelerated National Scrapie Eradication Program to eliminate the disease from U.S. sheep and goats. But transmission routes, progression, and genetic underpinnings of scrapie in goats are poorly understood. Low occurrence rates, underreporting, and the inconvenience and cost of tissue testing make eradication challenging.

The good news is that a new, live-animal test to detect scrapie is being applied to goats. There’s also an ongoing study of goat genes that might confer resistance to the disease.

Building on Early Successes

The new method, known as the “rectal mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (RMALT) test,” is based on the currently used third-eyelid test. Developed by the Agricultural Research Service and Washington State University (WSU), the third-eyelid test has been used by APHIS and state veterinarians since 2002 as an official test to detect scrapie in sheep. It involves snipping a tiny piece of lymphoid tissue from the animal’s nictitating membrane, or third eyelid, staining it with antibodies, and examining it under a microscope. Lymphoid tissue is used because it tends to collect malformed proteins called “prions,” which are thought to cause scrapie.

Microbiologist Katherine O’Rourke and molecular biologist Tom Truscott obtain tissue from a goat for use in a new test for scrapie. (D1360-1)

Researchers in Norway and Scotland modified the method for a different site: lymphoid tissue in the lining of the animal’s rectum. The rectal biopsy has also been used in deer, elk, sheep, and now goats. It’s quick to perform and relatively painless to the animal—thanks to a dab of local anesthetic.

“Rectal biopsy also allows for more repeat samples from an individual animal when needed,” says ARS microbiologist Katherine I. O’Rourke, a member of the scrapie research team, which includes APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) and Wildlife Services, the National Park Service, Colorado State University, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

In January 2008, APHIS-VS approved use of the RMALT test as a scrapie-detection tool after large-scale validation trials comparing its accuracy (87 percent) to third-eyelid biopsies and postmortem examinations of tissue from infected sheep. Additional work on the accuracy of the test in goats is under way.

APHIS has incorporated the RMALT test into the National Scrapie Eradication Program. Current users are mainly federal and state veterinary personnel.

Molecular biologist Tom Truscott views a live-animal test for scrapie. The red areas indicate the presence of the scrapie prion protein. (D1364-1)

Setting the Stage for Selective Breeding

A key facet of scrapie prevention in sheep flocks involves use of selective breeding to increase the number of sheep with the version of the prion protein gene (dubbed “R171”) that confers resistance. For now, goat producers don’t have that option. Despite searches by ARS and WSU scientists at Pullman, as well as at other labs, the R171 prion gene version has never been found in goats. But there are several different gene variants in goats, some of which might confer resistance to scrapie. No one has confirmed genetic resistance in goats thus far, but some tantalizing leads are emerging.

“In sheep, the discovery of resistance genes was key to developing a broadly accepted eradication program. If scrapie is found in a flock, only the genetically susceptible sheep are removed, allowing the producer to maintain quality animals,” says O’Rourke. “As we learn more about goat genetic resistance, we hope the same approach can work for them.”

The live-animal test for scrapie requires removal of a small snip of tissue after a local anesthetic is applied. (D1361-1)

Towards that end, ARS Pullman geneticist Stephen White is leading a team of ARS and university scientists to characterize the prion protein gene of goats and identify important gene variants in individuals and breeds. The Pullman team has so far examined the prion protein gene sequences from 446 goats representing 10 breeds, 8 of which have never been genetically characterized for their potential scrapie response.

The team’s analysis found four gene variants (R143, S146, H154, and K222) in the genes of Boer, Nubian, Saanen, Toggenburg, and a few other goat breeds. These gene variants were relatively rare or absent in animals that developed scrapie in previous outbreaks, which suggests these gene variants might help the animals in some way. A fifth variant (M142) was found mainly in Alpine and Toggenburg goats, and it is known to delay incubation of scrapie from infection to clinical disease. More work is needed to demonstrate true resistance for any of these genetic variations, notes the team in a paper published in the September-October 2008 issue of Genetic Selection Evolution.

Geneticist Stephen White studies goats with a version of the prion gene that might confer increased resistance to scrapie. (D1363-3)

Putting Together the Pieces

In related work, the Pullman scientists are monitoring six goats from a Michigan farm with a known history of scrapie infection. In March, two of the infected goats, named “Nutmeg” and “Meeko,” gave birth to three kids, providing the scientists with an unprecedented look into parent-to-offspring transmission of scrapie and inheritance of genes affecting the animal’s response to the disease.

“We learned that—unlike in sheep—the goat placenta is not a very reliable indicator of the scrapie status of the dam,” says O’Rourke. “We’ll do some more research to determine why this is, and how it affects transmission in a herd.”

Molecular biologist Jim Reynolds extracts DNA for genetic testing to see which goats might have increased resistance to scrapie. (D1365-1)

Genetic testing revealed that Meeko’s kid is genetically susceptible, which allows for monitoring of scrapie’s onset and development during the animal’s life. Nutmeg gave birth to twins—one genetically susceptible and the other with a variation that may eventually prove to confer resistance.

Besides their university colleagues, ARS’s Pullman team, led by Donald P. Knowles, has collaborated closely with APHIS-VS to formulate a strategy aimed at helping the U.S. goat industry to eliminate scrapie. The current effort takes a multipronged approach that includes early detection through slaughter surveillance and reporting of clinical suspects, flock management and selective breeding in sheep, scrapie-free flock certification, and producer outreach and education.

“In support of the eradication effort led by APHIS and industry, ARS will continue to do research on genetic resistance, diagnostic testing, and transmission modes,” says O’Rourke. “Prevention is always a more desirable route than removal of infected animals or exposed animals. So research on resistance genetics and transmission modes will be especially important contributions.”—By Jan Suszkiw, Agricultural Research Service Information Staff.

This research is part of Animal Health, an ARS national program (#103) described on the World Wide Web at www.nps.ars.usda.gov.

To reach scientists mentioned in this article, contact Jan Suszkiw, USDA-ARS Information Staff, 5601 Sunnyside Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705-5129; phone (301) 504-1630, fax (301) 504-1486.

"ARS and Partners Set Their Sights on Scrapie in Goats" was published in the April 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.





http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/apr09/goats0409.htm





Wednesday, January 28, 2009


TAFS1 Position Paper on BSE in small ruminants (January 2009)




http://scrapie-usa.blogspot.com/2009/01/tafs1-position-paper-on-bse-in-small.html






SCRAPIE USA




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NOR-98 ATYPICAL SCRAPIE 5 cases documented in USA in 5 different states USA 007





http://nor-98.blogspot.com/2008/04/seac-spongiform-encephalopathy-advisory.html

Tuesday, June 3, 2008 SCRAPIE USA UPDATE JUNE 2008 NOR-98 REPORTED PA




http://nor-98.blogspot.com/2008/06/scrapie-usa-update-june-2008-nor-98.html




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Monday, September 1, 2008


RE-FOIA OF DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E. (PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [No. 00-072-1]

September 1, 2008




http://foiamadsheepmadrivervalley.blogspot.com/2008/09/re-foia-of-declaration-of-extraordinary.html