Science and Research

Abstract

BSE is (mainly) an affliction of cattle. A human affliction now known to be closely related to it is called CJD. One objective of this chapter is to set out enough of the science of this group of afflictions to enable readers to appreciate the nature of the problem posed when BSE was identified. Another is to help them to appreciate why when faced with BSE those involved acted in the ways set out in the following chapters — and to judge whether these actions were satisfactory.