New protocol for Atypical BSE investigations
EFSA has developed a laboratory protocol on how to conduct new studies for investigating the presence of the agent of Atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in tissues of infected cattle.
Guidance includes the number of animals to be tested, the tissues to be analysed and the methods to detect the agent of disease.
BSE belongs to a group of diseases called Transmissible Capable of being passed between individuals in the same species, as well as between different species (e.g. from animals to humans). Spongiform Encephalopathies that affect the brain and nervous system of humans and animals. BSE can be divided into Classical BSE and Atypical BSE.
Current knowledge on Atypical BSE is limited and the implementation of this protocol will contribute to fill information gaps.