(Salers cattle)

Affected calves are usually born alive, but exhibit severe neurological abnormalities. These include weakness, incoordination, head-swaying, splaying of the front legs, and a poor sucking reflex.

Diagnosis

History, clinical examination, confirmed by DNA analysis or histopathology

Specimens required

See Collection of hair samples for DNA testing

(in order of preference)

Diagnosis of the disease:

1. 20 to 25 hairs, with roots attached, from the distal end of the tail.
2. Lymphoid tissue and/or whole brain in buffered formalin for histopathology.

Heterozygote detection:

1. 20 to 25 hairs, with roots attached, from the distal end of the tail.