Researchers discover subclinical form of BSE

Researchers have found new evidence for the existence of a subclinical form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Cattle, sheep, and other animals that are outwardly healthy may be harbouring the infection, with the risk that BSE could still be getting into the food chain.

In a new study based on a mouse model, researchers at the Medical Research Council Prion Unit took a closer look at the species barrier, which limits the ability of prions to jump from one species to another (Proceedings of the National Academy of …