In sheep, susceptibility to scrapie is mainly determined by codons 136, 154, and 171 of the PRNP gene. Five haplotypes are usually present (ARR, ARQ, ARH, AHQ, and VRQ). The ARR haplotype confers the greatest resistance to classical scrapie while VRQ renders animals most susceptible. In 2004, the European Union implemented a breeding program that promotes selection of the ARR haplotype while reducing the incidence of VRQ. From 2006 to 2011 in Belgium, frequency for the ARR/ARR genotypes increased from 38.3% to 63.8% (n = 6,437), the ARQ haplotype diminished from 21.1% to 12.9%, and the VRQ haplotype decreased from 2.0% to 1.7%. The status of codon 141, a determinant for atypical scrapie, was also evaluated. Out of 27 different breeds (n = 5,163), nine were abundant. The ARR/ARR frequency increased in eight of these nine major breeds. The selection program has had a major impact on the ARR haplotype frequency in Belgium. However, the occurrence of atypical scrapie represents a critical point for this program that warrants the continuous monitoring of scrapie. Additionally, genotype frequencies among the breeds varied greatly. Texel, a breed that is common in Belgium, can still be selected for due to its average ARR frequency.
Keywords: PrP; genetics; prion diseases; ruminant; transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.