Scrapie Resistence and other relevant traits in Icelandic sheep
Extensive attempts to eradicate the scrapie disease from the Icelandic sheep population have so far shown no lasting success. The aim of the current study is therefore to identify scrapie-resistant genotypes in Icelandic sheep. Samples from flocks currently and previously affected by scrapie and from flocks that have never been affected by scrapie are being used as the basis for the study.
In the further course of the research cooperation, the topic will be expanded on the basis of the previously obtained results to include the identification of genetic factors of other breeding-relevant traits in the Icelandic sheep. The Icelandic sheep has an unusually high diversity, which is also reflected in the coat colours, of which some are economically relevant and do not follow the known rules of inheritance. Particularly against the background of the new Icelandic scrapie resistance breeding, it is important to be able to specifically prevent rare colours from disappearing from the population. Therefore, it will be investigated whether such colours are linked to certain genetic factors that can be analysed.
Funding: University of Iceland, Keldur; Working group ‘New solutions for the scrapie problem’, Iceland"