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BSE: a decade on--Part 2
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical School, Edinburgh, UK.
Lancet (London, England)
|March 8, 1997
Summary
An estimated 6950 cases of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) may occur in UK cattle between 1997-2001. Public and animal health remain protected if current legislation is enforced.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary epidemiology
- Food safety science
- Public health policy
Background:
- Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) poses risks to animal and public health.
- Control measures have been implemented to mitigate BSE transmission.
- Previous legislation banned specific bovine materials from food and feed chains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the future incidence of BSE in UK cattle.
- To assess the effectiveness of current control measures.
- To evaluate the safety of bovine products for human consumption.
Main Methods:
- Modeling disease incidence based on transmission parameters.
- Analysis of legislative changes and their impact on control.
- Review of food and feed chain exclusion measures.
Main Results:
- An estimated 6950 BSE cases predicted for 1997-2001 under specific transmission assumptions.
- Existing legislation, if enforced, adequately protects public and animal health.
- Despite some control measure slippage, current safeguards are deemed sufficient.
Conclusions:
- Bovine milk and beef are safe for human consumption.
- Continued enforcement of evolved legislation is crucial for maintaining safety.
- While culling could reduce numbers, it is not scientifically essential.