A BLOOD test for BSE may be within reach. Scientists in Scotland have found a
marker for the disease that is detectable in blood cells or bone marrow well
before any symptoms appear.
Using such a test to screen animals entering the food chain would ensure meat
comes from BSE-free cattle. A test for the human disease, vCJD, is also needed
to screen donated blood.
Diseases such as scrapie and BSE are caused by abnormal prion proteins. As
these are chemically identical to their healthy counterparts, it’s hard to find
tests to tell the two apart. Researchers have found differences…
