[BSE and scrapie diagnosis in Germany].

The detection of pathological prion protein is considered as pathognomonic for the diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. According to the EU regulations cattle older than 30 months of age (Germany 24 months) and slaughtered for human consumption must be tested by using BSE rapid tests. Likewise must be fallen stock and clinically affected animals. This article gives an overview over the diagnostic hierarchy and organization of the diagnostic system for BSE and scrapie in Germany. All suspect cases found by rapid testing are reinvestigated and clarified by the National reference laboratory for these diseases which is part of the recently founded Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Federal Research Centre for Virus Diseases of Animals located on the isle of Riems. Until the end of 2001 130 BSE cases were confirmed out of 230 submissions.