PCR-based detection of the polymorphism at codon 136 in the ovine prion protein gene

In many breeds of sheep, a polymorphism at codon 136 of the prion protein g ene has been shown to be strongly associated with the risk of developing sc rapie. A single-step procedure for detecting this allelic variation is desc ribed here. When performed on a series of animals, the test was in complete agreement with their genotypes as had been previously determined by sequen cing. The test is potentially easier and quicker to perform than any of the variety of methods that are currently used for this purpose.