Skip to main content
. 2010 Feb 23;41(4):42. doi: 10.1051/vetres/2010014

Table III.

Summary of the models used to inform scrapie surveillance.

Author(s) Aims Modelling approach Conclusions
Gubbins et al. [30] Estimate prevalence of scrapie infection in GB based on an abattoir survey in 1997/1998
  • Simple age-structured prevalence model

  • Probability of detection dependent on stage of incubation

  • Diagnostic tests less than 100% specific

  • Prevalence of scrapie 0.22% (95% CI: 0.01–0.97%)

  • All tests used very specific (> 99%), with only one less than 100%

Gubbins [35] Estimate prevalence of classical scrapie in GB by integrating data on reported cases and the results of abattoir and fallen stock surveys for 2002
  • Back calculation approach

  • Probability of detection dependent on stage of incubation and PrP genotype

  • Prevalence ranges from 0.33% to 2.06% depending on stage of incubation at which diagnostic test able to detect infected animals

  • Risk of infection much higher than the risk of clinical disease

  • Analysis of surveillance data needs to account for PrP genotype

Gubbins and McIntyre [36] Estimate prevalence of classical scrapie in GB for 1993–2007 by integrating data on reported cases (1993–2007) and the results of abattoir and fallen stock surveys (2002–2007)
  • Back calculation approach

  • Probability of detection dependent on stage of incubation and PrP genotype

  • Baseline risk of infection changes over time

  • Frequency of PrP genotypes in a birth cohort changes over time

  • Proportion of cases reported changes over time

  • Prevalence was approximately constant for 1993–2003 and was estimated to be 0.3% to 0.7% depending on stage of incubation at which diagnostic test able to detect infected animals

  • Prevalence declined by around 40% between 2003 and 2007

Hopp et al. [44] Assess the efficacy of different strategies for identifying scrapie-affected flocks in Norway
  • Stochastic simulation of strategy based on the probability of detecting an infected animal through each surveillance stream

  • Includes effect of PrP genotype on risk of scrapie, incubation period and probability of detection

  • Less than 9% of affected flocks are identified by either abattoir or fallen-stock surveillance

  • Samples sizes much lower for fallen stock than abattoir surveys

  • Abattoir surveillance most affected by an increase in test sensitivity

Webb et al. [78]
  • Estimate prevalence of scrapie infection in GB based on abattoir survey data

  • Assess design of an abattoir survey

  • Simple age-structured prevalence model

  • Probability of detection dependent on stage of incubation

  • Stochastic simulation of survey

  • Survey results consistent with a prevalence in the slaughter population of up to 11%

  • Sample sizes need to be larger

  • Diagnostic tests need to be assessed in relation to genotype and stage of infection