Briefing Note
Wednesday 15 November 2006
New Zealand assists with UK Atypical Scrapie investigation
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is assisting the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to investigate a recent case of Atypical Scrapie in a sheep that may have possible links to New Zealand.
Atypical Scrapie is a newly discovered brain condition distinct from Classical Scrapie that affects sheep and goats. Neither is considered a risk to human health.
MAF understands that the affected sheep was born in a UK research facility, and that breeding records link it to sheep imported from New Zealand in 1998.
While little is known about the causes of Atypical Scrapie, there are a number of ways this sheep could have become infected. These are being investigated by Defra.
New Zealand will assist Defra to identify how the sheep could have become infected and any possible New Zealand link. This will take some time.
New Zealand is free of Classical Scrapie and has found no evidence of Atypical Scrapie. This status remains unchanged.
MAF and the NZFSA will be providing our trading partners with any information they may seek on this issue.
More information about Atypical Scrapie can be found at:
- www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/bse/othertses/scrapie/nsp/atypicalcases/index.htm
- www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/scrapie
Frequently Asked Questions:
For further information please contact
MAF Communications +64 4 894 0164 or +64 4 894 0161
Contact for Enquiries
MAF Communications
Level 9
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 894 0100
Fax: +64 4 894 0300
Contact this person
