Bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Switzerland - the past and the present

The first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Switzerland was diagnosed in November 1990, although the risk factors identified in the Un ited Kingdom were not all present in Switzerland. At 29 December 1998, a to tal of 282 BSE cases (all animals born in Switzerland), had been recorded. The number of cases is declining, with fourteen cases diagnosed in 1998 (at 29 December 1998). The measures taken are effective. However, the potential weakness in curren t activities that allow the disease to exist are being evaluated. Further m easures to avoid even minimal risk for human and animal health will be take n if required. Experience gained from the past indicates that it is necessa ry to review the situation constantly and to inform the public and professi onals regularly and in a transparent manner.