EPIDEMIOLOGY OF BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHA LOPATHY (BSE)

Basic epidemiological characteristics of a new transmissible disease o f cattle, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, are described in the prese nt paper. The most probable theories of the origin of etiological agen t and its characteristics an summarized. A brief survey of the occurre nce of bovine spongiform encephalitis in Great Britain and throughout the world is presented. The reservoir and routes of infection transmis sion are described as well as the expected incubation period, infectiv ity period, followed by measures taken to protect people's and animal health.