NR AXYT
AU Wiethölter,A.; Frölich,K.; Stefanski,V.
TI First Results from a Study on Prion Diseases in European Mouflon (Ovis Gmelini Musimon) in Germany
QU International Conference - Prion 2007 (26.-28.9.2007) Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Book of Abstracts: Epidemiology, Risk Assessment and Transmission P04.19
IA http://www.prion2007.com/pdf/Prion Book of Abstracts.pdf
PT Konferenz-Poster
AB
Background: The European mouflon is an ancestor of the domestic sheep and is originated from Southwest Asia. During the 18th century mouflon were introduced to Central Europe for hunting. Currently, Germany has the second largest free ranging population in the world and mouflon game is consumed on a relatively large scale. Since natural occurrences of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) in mouflon from England have been reported and prion protein nucleotide sequences can be identical in mouflon and sheep, it is likely to assume that transmission of TSE from sheep to mouflon is possible. Moreover, transmission may be facilitated by the fact, that TSE infected cattle and sheep share the same habitat with mouflon.
Aims: The objectives of our study are (1) to define TSE occurrence in European mouflon in Germany and (2) to evaluate the applicability of rapid tests for mouflon samples.
Methods: Thus, in August 2006 we started a two-year survey based on a previous study on cervids. Since the prevalence of TSE in mouflon is expected to be low, special risk areas have been defined by the abundance of sheep, mouflon, and cases of scrapie. Areas with high risks were favoured for sampling. In order to detect both typical and atypical scrapie cases, samples from the obex region, cerebellum, and retropharyngeal lymph nodes are taken. These are analysed by a highly sensitive BSEscrapie enzyme immuno assay (EIA).
Results and Conclusion: Over 300 mouflon samples were analysed by the EIA so far; all animals were tested negative. The final results from our ongoing study will allow evaluating the potential risk of occurrence of TSE in mouflon in Germany.
AD Wiethölter,A.; Frölich,K.; Stefanski,V.; Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Germany
SP englisch
PO Schottland