BSE: Science & research
Defra coordinates and funds research into transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) to inform UK policy for public health and animal disease control.
Since BSE was first diagnosed in 1986, Defra has spent approximately £189 million on TSE science and research up to April 2007. This is in addition to the funds spent on other aspects of TSEs such as disease surveillance and the National Scrapie Plan.
BSE and other TSE projects
Defra funds four key areas of TSE research. Three of these align with the science needs for the Defra policy areas of BSE, Sheep TSEs and Animal By-products. The fourth area of TSE diagnostics is relevant to all 3 Defra policy areas:
- BSE in cattle
- TSEs in sheep and goats - e.g. classical and atypical scrapie, experimental BSE
- TSE persistence in the environment and animal by-products
- TSE diagnostics
Research programme publications
- The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) Science Strategy 2003-2006
(190 KB). - The final report of the 2007 TSE Research Review. The objectives of the TSE Review 2007 were to:
- Assess whether the TSE research funded during the period from January 2003 to December 2006 had met Defra's needs
- Provide recommendations for research needed to inform Defra's policies in the future
A bibliography of the publications arising from Defra-funded research from 2003–2006 is available.
Links to other information
- UK bodies funding TSE research
- A summary of the chronology of BSE
- Table of current TSE research projects
- Glossary
Page last modified: 19 March, 2008