Prevalence of Atypical and Classical Scrapie in Sheep Across Europe
Author Information
Author(s): Fediaevsky Alexandre, Tongue Sue C, Nöremark Maria, Calavas Didier, Ru Giuseppe, Hopp Petter
Primary Institution: AFSSA-Lyon, Unité Epidémiologie, Lyon, France
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of atypical and classical scrapie in sheep across 20 European countries?
Conclusion
Atypical scrapie is not rare compared to classical scrapie, with its prevalence being remarkably homogeneous across countries.
Supporting Evidence
- Atypical scrapie was detected in Europe wherever the conditions for its diagnosis were present.
- Classical scrapie prevalence estimates were more variable than those for atypical scrapie.
- Differences in age and genotype of scrapie cases were consistent with previous findings.
Takeaway
This study looked at how common two types of sheep diseases, atypical and classical scrapie, are in different countries in Europe. It found that atypical scrapie is more common than previously thought.
Methodology
Data was collected from active surveillance programs in 20 European countries, focusing on sheep older than 18 months, and included both healthy slaughtered and found dead sheep.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in the surveillance programs due to over-representation of certain flocks and geographical sampling differences.
Limitations
The study may have biases due to differences in testing methods and the representativeness of the sampled populations.
Participant Demographics
Data was collected from sheep populations across 20 European countries.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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