However because a probable lack of sensitivity in screening tests towards this particular TSE, this value is probably an underestimation.

There are no consistent information concerning the abnormal PrP or infectivity distribution in peripheral tissues of atypical cases. This absence of data, combined with the involvement of ARR/ARR animals that were believed to be resistant to TSE, represent a major concern with regards to the efficiency of the current food protection policy against TSE.

In this project considering that atypical cases could be either a spontaneous affection from central nervous system origin or an acquired infectious disease resulting from an oral contamination, we establish distribution of abnormal PrP (using the most appropriate tool available) and infectivity (using Tg mice model) in sheep tissues (like blood, muscle, CNS) and milk. These data should provide useful data for evaluation of potential food risk associated to atypical/ scrapie cases.

Samarbeidspartnere

• Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, INRA, France
• LNIV Lisbon, Portugal