Division (a) Suspect casesF1

Samples from ovine and caprine animals sent for laboratory testing pursuant to the provisions of Article 12(2) shall immediately be subjected to confirmatory examinations using at least one of the following methods and protocols laid down in the latest edition of the Manual:

1. (i)

   the immunohistochemical (IHC) method;

2. (ii)

   Western blot;

3. (iii)

   the demonstration of characteristic fibrils by electron microscopy;

4. (iv)

   histopathological examination.

In case the histopathological examination is inconclusive or negative, the tissues shall be submitted to a further examination by one of the other confirmatory methods and protocols.

Rapid tests may be used for primary screening of suspect cases. Such tests may not be used for subsequent confirmation.

Where the result of the rapid test used for primary screening of suspect cases is positive or inconclusive, the sample shall be subjected to an examination by one of the confirmatory examinations referred to in points (i) to (iv) of the first subparagraph. Where the histopathological examination is used for that purpose, but proves to be inconclusive or negative, the tissues shall be submitted to a further examination by one of the other confirmatory methods and protocols.

F2If the result of one of the confirmatory examinations referred to in points (i) to (iv) of the first subparagraph is positive, the animal shall be regarded as a positive TSE case.