BSE and vCJD Fact Sheet

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)

Progressive neurological disorder within cattle, leads spongy detioration of the brain and nerve tissue

Causative agent of transmission is a self-replicating protein known as a prion

Originated in UK cattle as a result of contaminated animal feed from sheep

Prevalence

Over 180,000 cases of BSE have been reported in the UK since 1986, 3000 within other countries not including the U.S., and 3 within the U.S.

Occurrence and spread of BSE has been limited as a result of measures taken to ban use of animal by-products within feed and effective monitoring

Transmission to humans

Consumption of contaminated bovine products may lead to the transmission of disease to human, resulting in a condition known as Variant Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease (vCJD)

Contaminated beef products which contain non-muscle tissue, such as brain or other internal organs, may increase risk of transmission

Disease may also be transmitted via vaccines which contain bovine materials, although evidence is limited

Variant Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease (vCJD)

Progressive disease characterized by degeneration of the brain and nerve tissues within humans

Symptoms include motor dysfunction and rapid onset of dementia, including: ataxia, seizures, memory loss, hallucinations, and changes in personality

Following the manifestation of symptoms, progression of vCJD may be swift, leading to death within weeks or may continue for years

Incubation period for vCJD may be years to decades

In addition to bovine-dependent transmission, a 2004 report also suggests vCJD may be transmitted via blood transfusions from individuals with latent vCJD (strict regulations on blood donation has since been implementing in the United States and Europe in response)

Prevalence

Less than 200 people have died of vCJD as of 2008, however the number who may be in an incubation period of vCJD is unknown

Preventing vCJD

While traveling abroad, avoid consumption of beef or beef products. If eating beef is desired or necessary, choose solid muscle pieces (burgers, sausages) and avoid products which contain brain or internal organs

Currently, dairy products are not thought pose a risk of containing BSE contaminants and may be consumed

Works Cited

Sizer, F., & Whitney, E. (2008). Nutrition: The Science of Eating.

WHO | Bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Retrieved November 1, 2009, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs113/en/.

WHO | Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Retrieved November 1, 2009, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs180/en/.