BSE: Science & research - TSE persistence in the environment and animal by-products
PrPSc, which is thought to be the infectious agent responsible for TSEs is known to be highly resistant to standard physical and chemical methods of inactivation and decontamination (such as high temperature, low or high pH), unlike most standard pathogens (most bacteria or viruses). There is uncertainty about the survival of TSE infectivity in the environment.
Due to their resistant nature, TSE agents may not be completely inactivated by rendering practices and it is thought that development of the BSE epidemic resulted from the use of infectious meat and bone meal (MBM) in cattle feed (see causes of BSE). Therefore, the feed ban was introduced in 1998 to prevent the incorporation of potentially infectious material into animal feed (see the feed ban for further details on animal feed controls).
Research in this area has investigated the effect of industrial processes on the nature and infectivity of TSE agents in animal by-products and the persistence of TSEs in the environment.
Aims
- To increase understanding of how TSE infectivity in animal by-products can be inactivated.
- To evaluate and develop novel means of disposing of animal by-products in ways which are environmentally sound.
- To increase understanding about whether TSE infectivity can remain in the environment.
Areas of work
- Inactivation of disease-associate prion protein by various methods, including the effect of industrial processes on the nature and infectivity of TSE agents.
- Detection of mammalian material in animal feedstuffs.
- The persistence of TSEs in the environment.
Other information
- Animal By-products - relevant legislation and other information
- The Feed Ban - to lead to the decline and eventual eradication of BSE
- Glossary
Other areas of TSE research supported by Defra
- BSE in cattle
- TSEs in sheep and goats
- TSE diagnostics
- Table of all currently active and recently completed projects
- Bibliography of publications from 2003-2007
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Page last modified: 18 March, 2008