Classical scrapie in genetically resistant goats: questioning current concepts and policies

The objectives of this project are to: * determine the extent of Prion protein gene (PRNP) variability in Icelandic sheep and predict the effect of specific polymorphisms (PM) on susceptibility/resistance to CS and analyse the prion biodiversity and zoonotic potential of Icelandic CS strains over time * analyse how and where scrapie infectivity remains within the environment and how effective decontamination is in the field * conduct epidemiological analysis of outbreaks to identify risk factors associated with prolonged exposure to CS, and to develop an economic model for CS response. To address these objectives, 4 interactive Work-Packages (WP) were designed. Host Genetics (WP1), Prion Strain Evolution (WP2) and Environmental Factors (WP3) define the key impacts on this multifactorial disease, whilst WP4 utilises all results for Epidemiological Analysis and the development of an economic model. APHA is actively involved in WP2 (Prion Strain Evolution) and WP3 (Environmental factors.