Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (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.