An overview of the BSE epidemic in the UK.

The BSE epidemic in the UK is declining rapidly in response to control measures and is en route for eradication by the year 2001. BSE infectivity is restricted in clinically affected natural cases of BSE to central nervous tissues. BSE agent has been isolated from the intestine of experimentally orally-infected cattle from six to 18 months post-challenge. A small maternal risk factor for BSE has been identified but this will not stop the eradication of BSE. To protect the integrity of biological products from the risks associated with the unknown hazard of BSE for man it is recommended that only safe sources of animals and tissues are used. Inactivation procedures employed during processing will provide further guarantees.