Lessons from BSE for public confidence
Article Abstract:
Public confidence in British beef collapsed due to the announcement of a government minister that Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease had been identified. However, evidence of its association with beef affected by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was not available as of the time of the announcement. This triggered public alarm and bans. The attempt by the government to state that scientific advice on probable risks lay with the scientific advisers is questionable. The government must ascertain the quality of the advice and guide the public.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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BSE: the questions that need answers
Article Abstract:
Ten cases of a recognized variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) led the British government to announce the possible link between bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and CJD. The UK Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee has concluded that the new risk factor may be the possible exposure to the BSE agent before the 1989 offal ban. The capability of BSE to infect humans who eat infected beef is the major issue being addressed. It is also being determined whether CJD is caused by BSE.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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'Mad cow' scare threatens political link between food and agriculture
Article Abstract:
The British government admitted there could be a possible correlation in consuming beef infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). The public has called for structural changes in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the relationship of research with decision-making in public policy. The beef-eating public has panicked and the beef industry could be on the verge of collapse.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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