Modelling of strategies for genetic control of scrapie in sheep: The importance of population structure.

ABSTRACT: Scrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in sheep and an example of a disease that may be controlled through breeding for disease resistance. Member states of the European Union have introduced strategies for breeding against scrapie based on the selection of genetically resistant breeding rams. An ambitious strategy adopted in The Netherlands consisted of selecting resistant rams for breeding throughout both breeding and production sectors. Mathematical modelling of the effect of a breeding program on the spreading capacity of scrapie in a national flock is needed for making assessments on how long a breeding strategy needs to be maintained to achieve disease control. Here we describe such a model applied to the Dutch situation, with the use of data on the genetic content of t

SUBMITTER: Hagenaars TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5871008 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature