Scientists at Moredun have developed a novel diagnostic blood test for sheep scab infestation, which is now being carried out at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Sheep scab, caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis, is one of the most important parasitic diseases of sheep in the UK and is a notifiable disease in Scotland. During the early stages of sheep scab, infestations are not obvious and animals often appear clinically normal. This sub-clinical stage can last for several weeks during which animals can act as a source of infection for other sheep. For control or eradication programs to be successful, it is crucial that all infested animals are identified as quickly as possible, including sub-clinical cases and this is now possible using the new Moredun blood test.
The test detects host antibodies to a specific protein found only in the sheep scab mite, which means that the test can accurately detect that an infestation is due to the scab mite and not another ectoparasite. The test can detect infested animals at an early stage and before the onset of clinical symptoms, which will be important in the effective control of the parasite.
APHA currently offers veterinary surgeons ectoparasitic examinations of skin scrapings taken from sheep. It is hoped that integrating the results of the skin scrapings with this new blood test will provide a more powerful and reliable diagnostic service for sheep scab. The blood test will be offered free of charge for an initial period.
For this enhanced diagnosis, veterinary surgeons are asked to submit clotted blood samples (Vacutainer®, red top) along with skin scraping samples from the same sheep to APHA’s Centre in Shrewsbury. APHA will then report the results of the diagnostic tests to the veterinary surgeon.
Dr Stewart Burgess who leads the sheep scab research group at Moredun commented: “The development of a sensitive and specific blood test provides an important tool to aid control strategies for sheep scab and crucially, by using this new test it is now possible to detect the infection much earlier, at the sub-clinical stage. We are very pleased to collaborate with APHA to make the test available to support farmers and vets in the control of the disease.”
Amanda Carson, Veterinary Lead Small Ruminant Expert Group at APHA said: “We support the efforts of the sheep industry to control sheep scab through effective diagnosis of the disease. We welcome new diagnostic developments such as the Moredun test which will provide a vital tool to improve our diagnostic efforts.”
Notes to editors
Moredun Research Institute conducts internationally recognised research on the infectious diseases of livestock, caused by important viruses, bacteria and parasites. It employs scientists and vets that work to improve animal welfare, ensure food safety, reduce adverse impacts on the environment, and to contribute to sustainable communities through economic development across Scotland and beyond. Moredun’s research focuses on understanding the interaction of the disease pathogen with the host species, in identifying new targets for improved diagnostic tests and in development of novel vaccines for many diseases. For further details visit www.moredun.org.uk
Animal and Plant Health Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs working to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy.
Sheep Scab. Further information about sheep scab can be found on the following websites
For further information please contact:
Rhona Macdonald
Moredun Research Institute
Pentlands Science Park
Bush Loan,
Penicuik
EH26 0PZ
