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Cell Biology JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Clinical Examination Protocol to Detect Atypical and Classical Scrapie in Sheep

DOI: 10.3791/51101-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Perform systematic clinical examination to detect scrapie in sheep and goats
  • ✓ Assess posture, behavior, and neurological reflexes using standardized tests
  • ✓ Identify clinical signs including wool loss, skin lesions, and abnormal movement
  • ✓ Score body condition and interpret findings for scrapie diagnosis
Protocol

A short clinical examination protocol is presented to aid in the detection of classical and atypical scrapie in sheep and goats.

Difficulty
intermediate
Total time
~15–20 min per animal
Model organism
Sheep and goats
Biosafety
BSL-2

Steps

1
Assess animal posture and stance

Observe the sheep or goat at rest and note any abnormalities in body position, weight distribution, or postural stability that may indicate neurological involvement.

▶ 02:04
2
Evaluate behavioral responses and temperament

Observe general behavior, responsiveness to handler, and signs of nervousness, aggression, or withdrawal that may suggest prion disease.

▶ 02:54
3
Test menace response and visual awareness

Present hand movements toward the animal's face to assess pupillary and eyelid reflexes, indicating intact cranial nerve and brainstem function.

▶ 04:48
4
Elicit scratch reflex response

Stimulate the animal's skin to trigger the scratch reflex, observing the quality and symmetry of the motor response.

▶ 06:16
5
Inspect for wool loss and skin lesions

Systematically examine the fleece and skin for alopecia, dermatitis, or other lesions consistent with classical or atypical scrapie.

▶ 08:01
6
Assign body condition score

Palpate the animal to assess muscle and fat reserves, assigning a standardized condition score.

▶ 08:47
7
Blindfold animal and test movement

Cover the eyes and observe gait, coordination, and balance to assess motor and proprioceptive function independent of vision.

▶ 09:59
8
Document and interpret clinical findings

Compile all observations and apply diagnostic criteria to classify potential scrapie cases and distinguish classical from atypical presentations.

▶ 12:12
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