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[BSE and scrapie diagnosis in Germany]
Martin H Groschup1, Anne Stolze
1Bundesforschungsanstalt für Viruskrankheiten der Tiere, Institut für neue und neuartige Tierseuchenerreger, Insel Riems.
Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift
|April 10, 2002
Summary
The detection of pathological prion protein is key for diagnosing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Germany
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Prion Diseases
Context:
- Mandatory testing for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie in cattle is required by EU regulations.
- Germany implements specific age criteria (30 months, or 24 months for domestic consumption) for BSE testing in cattle.
- Testing includes fallen stock and clinically affected animals to ensure food safety.
Purpose:
- To provide an overview of the diagnostic hierarchy and organizational structure for BSE and scrapie in Germany.
- To detail the process of reinvestigation and clarification of suspect cases by the National Reference Laboratory.
Summary:
- Pathological prion protein detection is pathognomonic for diagnosing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
- Rapid tests are used for BSE screening in cattle, with suspect cases confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory.
- As of end-2001, 130 BSE cases were confirmed from 230 submissions in Germany.
Impact:
- Ensures accurate diagnosis and surveillance of prion diseases in animals.
- Supports regulatory compliance and public health protection in Germany.
- Highlights the critical role of reference laboratories in disease confirmation.