Caprine PRNP polymorphisms at codons 171, 211, 222 and 240 in a Greek herd and their association with classical scrapie

The association between PRNP variation and scrapie incidence was investigated in a highly affected Greek goat herd. Four mutations were identified at codons 171Q/R, 211R/Q, 222Q/K and 240P/S. Lysine at codon 222 was found to be associated with the protection from natural scrape (P=0 0111) Glutamine at codon 211 was observed in eight animals, all of them being scrapie-negative, indicating a possible protective role of this polymorphism although statistical analysis failed to support it (P=0.1074) A positive association (P=0 0457) between scrapie-affected goats and the wild-type Q(171)R(211)Q(222)S(240) allele is presented for the first time. In addition, a novel R(171)RQS allele, which is identical to the A(136)R(154)R(171) allele that has been associated with resistance to classical scrapie in sheep, was observed in low frequency. Resistant alleles that include K-222 and Q(211) are absent or rare in sheep and can provide the basis for the development of a feasible breeding programme for scrape eradication in goats