Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE)

Human TSEs

Human TSEs include Kuru which was found in Papua New Guinea and the various forms of Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease (CJD) and related conditions.

CJD is a fatal brain disease first classified in the 1920s. In 1996, doctors reported a new variant of the disease, vCJD.

Research since suggests that vCJD is the result of exposure to the agent that causes Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle.

Animal TSEs

In addition to classical and atypical scrapie in sheep and goats and classical and atypical BSE in cattle,  TSEs have been found to occur in other species. TSE cases in domestic felines, captive exotic felines and captive exotic ruminants are believed to be linked to BSE. The origins of Chronic Wasting Disease, and Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy,  TSEs in deer and farmed mink, respectively, are unknown. 

In November 1994, the laboratory diagnosis of a spongiform encephalopathy in any species became notifiable.

Since July 2001, the EU TSE Regulation (999/2001) has required any animal suspected of being affected with a TSE to be reported to the competent authorities.

VLA's role

We aim to provide a primary source of high quality, scientifically based, advice to Government (via Defra and Food Standards Agency) on all aspects of TSEs, with special reference to BSE and scrapie.

Image of BSE Fibrils

Our projects cover the following broad areas:

  • surveillance and epidemiology
  • pathology and transmission
  • diagnostics and molecular biology

In addition to our research, VLA is also the European Union Reference Laboratory for TSEs and an OIE TSE Reference Laboratory. We also maintain the TSE Archive and publish TSE Surveillance Statistics.

Clinical signs of BSE - DVD

A DVD is available for purchase, showing the clinical signs of BSE. Video clips of the symptoms of BSE and scrapie are also available from the TSE Reference Laboratory pages.