Public Consultation on Transmissable Spongiform Encephalopathies (2004)
In recent years the numbers of cases of BSE in the UK have continued to fall and the number of cases of vCJD appears to have become stable. However, there are still some key issues that continue to pose threats to animal and human health in the UK. This page contains information about a consultation that the five public funders of TSEs research held with scientists and patients groups before publishing their joint strategy for research into TSEs.
Background to the consultation
Most TSE research in the UK is funded by five public research organisations:
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Department of Health
- Food Standards Agency
- Medical Research Council
In 2004 these funders developed a strategy for TSEs research and development in 2004, [TSE strategy document June 2006 final pdf| UK Strategy for Research and Development on Human and Animal Health Aspects of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) 2005-2008. It highlights the major scientific uncertainties relating to TSEs and how these will be addressed by the funders’ individual research and development strategies.
Before publishing the strategy, the funders sought comments from the scientific community and patient groups. Their consultation ran from mid September 2004 until 1 January 2005. The consultation was primarily electronic, although patient groups were offered hard copies.
For more information, please refer to the UK Strategy for Research and Development on Human and Animal Health Aspects of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies 2005-2008 (includes a summary of responses to the consultation).