Purpose: The experience on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) surveillance in Sicily is reported to highlight some beneficial outcomes related to BSE crisis management.
Methods: Rapid diagnostic tests for TSE was performed, through the years, by Western blot (The Prionics®-Check WESTERN), ELISA (TeSeE Purification and Detection Biorad), chemiluminescent Elisa (Enfer TSE ELISA–Abbott USA) or, more recently, by IDEXX EIA, following manufacturer’s instructions.
Results: In cattle, five positive cases of BSE in Sicilian born animals were detected during active surveillance. More than 60 scrapie outbreaks have been detected, so far, in small ruminants. Breeding for genetic selection resistance is now performed in the island.
Significance: Several public controls are in place to assure food safety in Europe, since the BSE crisis. In Sicily, the surveillance for BSE and scrapie has resulted in a more accurate animal identification system and a better epidemiology knowledge of TSE spread. The results show that Sicily is an endemic area for scrapie. This has reinforced the plans for breeding for genetic resistance, with active involvement of the breeders to accomplish the goal of a full eradication of TSE.