[BSE, bovine spongiform encephalopathy]

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, first described in 1985, has led to serious economical problems in the United Kingdom within a few years. In this review, the clinical picture, pathological findings and the etiologic and epizootiologic history of the disease are summarized. The potential threat to the Continental cattle population and the potential risk to human health are critically discussed. The known methods of diagnosis of the disease are also described.