BSE : the untold story.

Scientists discuss BSE and the consequences of its transferral to the human population as CJD or New Variant CJD. Forty cases have been identified in UK, but projections of future infection from eating beef range widely - from a dozen to possibly 13 million could die. This programme concentrates on the method of transferral to humans - by eating infected material, or by direct blood contact? A study in New Guinea in the 1950s identified kuru, thought to be the earliest known example of CJD. Was it transferred by eating tissue, or by handling cadavers? Chimps fed infected tissue did not get infected, but spider monkeys handling infected tissue all became infected. Cases in the USA are discussed. Could vaccines, or blood transfusions transfer BSE?