Sacred cows, science and uncertainties
Article Abstract:
Factors for the transmission dynamics of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) among cattle include contaminated feed and maternal transmission. Infection due to the former has become negligible over the years but the latter can delay the eradication of the disease. One option for the control of BSE is the cattle-culling policy, which depends upon complex political, economic, and ethical considerations. The transmission dynamics suggests that BSE can have implications for human health due to a rise in human Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Prediction of future BSE spread
Article Abstract:
The number of confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) cases in 1995 was 13,267, compared to the predictions between 13,880 and 16,110. Cases totalling between 15,000 to 24,000 of BSE are likely to arise between 1996 to 1999 from animals born before 1993. Most of the BSE cases occur in the age group of four to six years. About 75% of the future BSE cases will occur in animals born in 1989 or later, after the feed ban. Statistics of the BSE cases in different age groups for the years 1995 to 1999 are given.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Transmission dynamics and epidemiology of BSE in British cattle
Article Abstract:
The eradication process of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy epidemic in British cattle suggests the slaughter of a large number of cattle. The epidemic is on the decline, with infection due to contaminated feed being almost nil, and that due to maternal transmission under control. The epidemic is predicted to fade to extinction by 2001 in the absence of a calculated optimal culling policy and a maternal targeted policy. Research also proposes a link between BSE and the human Creutzfeldt Jakob disease.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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