BSE: an update on the statistical evidence

Abstract

BSE has now been transmitted orally to 16 species, and appears to have infected over 50 per cent of UK dairy herds, these representing over 85 per cent of UK dairy cattle. It now seems that BSE may be passed from cow to calf and hence the banning of infected feed in 1988 has only had a minor effect in stopping infection of calves, which, as they reach the age of three to six years are the cattle we see with clinical symptoms. Presents evidence that BSE is not derived from scrapie. Approximately 1,800,000 infected cattle will be eaten by humans by 2001. Discusses the human risk.