Scrapie Test for Sheep 

ARS researchers have developed and patented two antibodies that can be used to test live sheep for scrapie (U.S. Patent Numbers 6,261,790 and 6,165,784).  These new antibodies allow scientists to diagnose scrapie--a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy or TSE--one of several related disorders that lead to brain disease in sheep and causes erratic behavior, weight loss, and eventually death.  The inexpensive, non-invasive test consists of antibodies that bind the prion proteins, which are markers for the disease.  The test can be done by taking a tissue sample from the sheep’s eyelid.  The anti-prion antibodies will be extremely useful to researchers worldwide working on scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or “mad cow disease”), chronic wasting prion disease of deer and elk, and human prion diseases.  Affinity Bioreagents, Inc., of Golden, Colorado; VMRD, Inc., of Pullman, Washington; and Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., of Tucson, AZ have non-exclusively licensed USPN 6,165,784. VMRD, Inc.; Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.; and Wyeth of Overland Park, Kansas have non-exclusively licensed USPN 6,261,790. 

Updated 7/22/03