APHIS Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Appeal Mouse Bio-Assays 
2007-00030-A Sheep Imported From Belgium and the Presence of TSE Prion Disease 
Kevin Shea to Singeltary 2015
 
 
Greetings BSE-L Members et al, 
 
you can’t believe what I got in the US Postal mail today. the wife would 
not pick it up yesterday, because there was a $6.00 charge for a certified 
letter from USDA Kevin Shea for about 5 pages. I went to the PO today, told the 
girls in the back that if it’s an affidavit, a warrant, summons, I don’t want 
it, send it back. but it was certified. scared me. but the curiosity got to me, 
so i coughed up 6 bucks, and took a chance. low and behold, after my last appeal 
to this decade plus old quest was turned down, even though I already had the 
answer from another source, APHIS et al finally stumbled across those old mouse 
bio-assays. they had them all along.
 
what the industry sent me first was better, because it had some of the good 
stuff i.e. redacted.
 
this all started way back around the year 2,000, when in my opinion, the 
USDA et al let these sheep in the USA from Belgium, when they should not have 
because of atypical BSE in Belgium. I started asking for the these mouse 
bio-assays back in or around 2003 or before, then I had to get official with 
FOIA, because no one would answer my questions. 
 
well, it’s February 20, 2015, over a decade later, and I don’t know how 
many denials, here’s what was in the mail yesterday, February 19, 2015 ;
 
United States Department of Agriculture 
 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Marketing and Regulatory 
Programs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Legislative and Public 
Affairs Freedom of Information 4700 River Road Unit 50 Riverdale, MD. 20737-1232 
 
FEB 10 2015
 
Terry S. Singletary Sr. P.O. Box 42 Bacliff, Texas 77518 
 
Re: FOIA Appeal # 2007-00030-A 
 
Dear Mr. Singletary: 
 
This letter is in response to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) appeal 
that you submitted regarding FOIA request 07-566. Your appeal challenged the 
APHIS FOIA Office's search for the "Mouse Bio-Assays" on the sheep imported from 
Belgium. We apologize for the delayed response.
 
The APHIS FOIA Office received your appeal, on July 7, 2007 and assigned it 
FOIA case number 2007-00030-A.
 
In response to your appeal, the APHIS FOIA Office performed a second search 
of records responsive to your initial request. The Agency has since found four 
(4) pages of responsive records for the "Mouse Bio-Assays" dated October 
22,2009. Although these records postdate both your initial request and 
subsequent appeal by approximately two years; we enclose them in the interest of 
responsiveness to your request. 
 
We now consider this appeal closed and will take no further action. If you 
are dissatisfied with this decision, you have the right to judicial review in an 
appropriate United States District Court in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552, 
(2)(4)(B). 
 
Prior to seeking judicial review, you may contact the Office of Government 
Information Services (OGlS). OGIS was created within the National Archives and 
Records Administration when the Open Government Act of 2007 amended the FOIA. 
OGIS provides mediation of FOIA disputes between appellants and federal 
agencies. Participation in mediation does not affect your right to judicial 
review. Contact information for OGIS can be found at 
http:/www.archives.gov/ogis. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Kevin Shea Administrator Enclosure 
 
snip...end
 
the next 4 pages is exactly what I received from an industry source way 
back on Saturday, February 27, 2010. see ; 
 
Saturday, February 27, 2010
 
 
see history below ; 
 
From: Terry S. Singeltary Sr. Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2015 10:04 PM 
To: Terry S. Singeltary Sr. Subject: mad sheep mad river valley...NOT...never 
was
 
Veterinary Laboratories Agency – Weybridge
 
New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB United Kingdom
 
Telephone +44 (0)1932 341111 Facsimile +44 (0)1932 347046 '
 
 
Veterinary Laboratories Agency
 
Your ref: MPL-6197-7-37
 
Our ref: FT1294
 
This is the FINAL report for contract MPL-6197-7-37 The testing of the 
Belgian (Vermont) sheep.
 
Background
 
Brain homogenate (10% in normal saline) from each case was inoculated 
intracerebralty into panels of 20 Rlll and 20 Tg338 mice.
 
FT1294/0001 (Sample 4677) was inoculated into mice on the 14/12/06
 
FT1294/0011 (Sample 4703) was inoculated into mice on the 20/12/06
 
Method
 
The brain from each mouse was examined histologically for any evidence of 
TSE-related vacuolation, and immunolabelled using anti-PrP antibody Rb486 as 
described elsewhere1, All slide interpretation was undertaken blind with regard 
to the clinical status of the mouse, or the source of the inoculum.
 
Final bioassay results
 
FT1294/0001 (Sample 4677)
 
Tg338 mice - All 20 mice are negative by histopathology, and 
immunohistochemistry
 
Rlll mice - All 20 mice are negative negative by histopathology, and 
immunohistochemistry
 
FT1294/0011 (Sample 4703)
 
Tg338 mice - All 20 mice are negative by histopathology, and 
immunohistochemistry
 
Rlll mice - All 20 mice are negative by histopathology, and 
immunohrstochernistry
 
The survival times for these mice can be seen in the figures below. 
Additional data sets from positive and negative inocula (J Spiropoulos, pers. 
comm.) have been included for comparison._
 
1 Beck KE, Chaplin M, Stack M: Sallis RE, Simonini S, Lockey R, Spiropoulos 
J. Lesion Profiling at Primary Isolation in Rlll Mice Is Insufficient in 
Distinguishing BSE from Classical Scrapie. Brain Pathol. 2009 epub ahead of 
print
 
FINAL report for contract MPL-6197-7-37
 
VLA is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and 
Rural Affairs (Defra) 
 
snip... (2 pages of charts and graphs of survival and comparison of tg338 
data NOT included here...TSS) 
 
CONCLUSION
 
These mice have survived for long enough to have demonstrated the presence 
of classical scrapie, atypical scrapie, or ovine BSE if any of these strains was 
present in the inoculum.
 
Both samples are negative by bioassay.
 
Dr. Marion M Simmons
 
22nd October 2009
 
February 27, 2010, INVESTIGATION OF MAD SHEEP OF MAD RIVER VALLEY COMPLETE. 
THEY WERE NOT INFECTED WITH ANY TSE. ...TSS 
 
Greetings again BSE list members,
 
The investigation of the Mad Sheep of Mad River Valley may be complete now, 
but, I still have questions.
 
PLEASE SEE MY FINAL FOIA HERE ;
 
Monday, September 1, 2008 
 
RE-FOIA OF DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL 
T.S.E. (PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [No. 00-072-1] 
September 1, 2008
 
Greetings again BSE-L members,
 
I had a pleasant surprise this past Saturday. I got an unexpected package 
from O.I.G. on my old F.O.I.A. request, of the final test results of the 
infamous mad sheep of mad river valley. IF you all remember, back on Thu, 24 Apr 
2008 15:00:20 -0500 I wrote ;
 
Greetings,
 
With great disgust, I must report, that after years and years of wrangling 
over the infamous mad sheep of mad river valley, I have failed in getting an 
official answer via FOIA on the outcome of the TSE testing of those imported 
Belgium sheep. The USA Government refuses to tell the public, exactly what the 
testing outcome was, and in doing so, shows just how corrupt this administration 
has been. and the excuse given in their answer to my final appeal, which they 
have now officially denied, was bizarre to say the least ;
 
"I am denying your FOIA appeal. This is the final agency decision. You may 
seek judicial review of this decision in the United States district court for 
the judicial district in which you reside or have your principal place of 
business or in the District of Columbia, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. & 
552(a)(4)(B)."
 
FOIA OF DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL 
T.S.E. (PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [Docket No. 
00-072-1] ...snip...end...TSS
 
NOW, out of the wild blue, AFTER them telling me they denied my FOIA appeal 
for the final time, any further action would have to be judicial review in the 
United States district court, I get 25+ pages, a lot of redacted names, etc, but 
this is the first time they sent me anything about this in the 6 years of 
waiting for my FOIA request. IT will take me a long time to get this online due 
to the fact you cannot hardly read it, very poor quality and eligibility of 
text. BUT, the just of it is, somebody (REDACTED) screwed those tests up. I will 
work to get all the data online next week or so, but it is odd how much they 
were concerned for human and animal health from an atypical scrapie of foreign 
origin back then, but yet when we document it here in the USA, you don't hear a 
word about it. it's a completely different story.
 
IN SHORT ;
 
August 15, 2000
 
OIG case # NY-3399-56 REDACTED, VT
 
''Enclosed is OIG's notification that they have scheduled an investigation 
of the following individual. REDACTED is alleged to have provided possibly 
inaccurate test results involving diseased sheep. However, because the results 
were determined to be inconclusive, no actual violation was actually 
committed.''
 
snip... 
 
IN SHORT ; 
 
August 15, 2000
 
OIG case # NY-3399-56 REDACTED, VT
 
''Enclosed is OIG's notification that they have scheduled an investigation 
of the following individual. REDACTED is alleged to have provided possibly 
inaccurate test results involving diseased sheep. However, because the results 
were determined to be inconclusive, no actual violation was actually 
committed.'' 
 
snip... 
 
[only bush et al could have interpreted it that way. don't all criminals 
wish this is the way the system worked. ...tss]
 
JULY, 28, 2000
 
Case Opening Memorandum 
 
snip... 
 
An investigation regarding the subject identified below will be conduced 
and a report submitted at the conclusion of the investigation. If you have or 
should later receive additional information concerning this matter, please 
forward it to this office.
 
If you believe that administrative action should be taken before all 
criminal and other legal matters are completed, please coordinate that action 
with this office in order not to jeopardize the ongoing investigation.
 
The fact that this subject is under investigation should not be discussed 
with anyone who does not have a need to know and all inquiries on the 
investigation should be referred to the office of Inspector General. 
 
snip...end 
 
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY FEBRUARY 7, 2002
 
SUBJECT OIG CASE NY-3399-56 REDACTED VT HEALTH/SANITATION VIOLATION
 
TO: William Buisch, Regional Director Eastern Region, VS Raleigh, NC 
 
Enclosed is the official investigation report on REDACTED. If you will 
recall, REDACTED is alleged to have provided possible inaccurate test results 
involving diseased sheep.
 
OIG is closing their file upon issuance of the Report of Investigation 
(copy enclosed). We are, therefore, also closing our case file. 
 
REDACTED 
 
Resource Management Systems and Evaluation Staff
 
Enclosure
 
cc:
 
REDACTED IES, Riverdale, MD (w/cy of incoming)
 
APHIS:RMSES: REDACTED 2/7/02 "NY-3399-56-REDACTED Closure''
 
END...TSS 
 
NOW, the question is, who screwed those test up, and was it done on 
purpose, just to cover someone's ass for letting those sheep in here in the 
first place ???
 
WHICH tests were compromised, one of them, all of them, and, can we trust 
the outcome of any of these test under the circumstances here ??? 
 
i.e.
 
"It is significant that four of the sheep which first tested positive on 
REDACTED Western blot tests, thereby providing the type of confirmation the 
plaintiffs argue is lacking on the current record." 
 
UNDER what circumstances were these test compromised ???
 
MY basic, simple question, was not answered in layman term, i.e. exactly 
what strain of TSE did those sheep have ???
 
IS this the best we can do ??? 
 
>>>"REDACTED is alleged to have provided possibly inaccurate test 
results involving diseased sheep. However, because the results were determined 
to be inconclusive, no actual violation was actually committed.''<<< 
 
PLEASE SEE FULL TEXT HERE ;
 
 
Saturday, February 27, 2010
 
*** FINAL REPORT OF THE TESTING OF THE BELGIAN (VERMONT) SHEEP February 27, 
2010 IN SHORT ; August 15, 2000 OIG case # NY-3399-56 REDACTED, VT ''Enclosed is 
OIG's notification that they have scheduled an investigation of the following 
individual. REDACTED is alleged to have provided possibly inaccurate test 
results involving diseased sheep. However, because the results were determined 
to be inconclusive, no actual violation was actually committed.'' 
 
FINAL REPORT OF THE TESTING OF THE BELGIAN (VERMONT) SHEEP February 27, 
2010
 
(10 YEARS LATER, FOIA, none of the sheep had any TSE at all...tss) 
 
 
Thursday, April 24, 2008
 
RE-FOIA OF DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL 
T.S.E. OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [Docket No. 00-072-1]
 
 
Monday, September 1, 2008 RE-FOIA OF DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY 
BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E. (PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED 
STATES [No. 00-072-1]
 
 
 FOIA MAD SHEEP MAD RIVER VALLEY
 
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
 
DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E. (PRION 
DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [Docket No. 00-072-1] 
 
To: Garfield.O.Daley@aphis.usda.gov 
 
CC: phyllis.Fong@usda.gov; bse-L@aegee.org; 
 
Re: FOIA APPEAL 07-566 DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN 
ATYPICAL T.S.E. (PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [Docket 
No. 00-072-1]
 
November 13, 2007
 
Greetings Garfield O. Daley, Acting FOIA Director, and USDA et al,
 
SNIP
 
for those interested, please see full text answer below received from USDA 
et al below on latest appeal ; 
 
 
 
Tuesday, November 13, 2007 
 
DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E. (PRION 
DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [Docket No. 00-072-1] 
 
To: Garfield.O.Daley@aphis.usda.gov 
 
CC: phyllis.Fong@usda.gov; bse-L@aegee.org; 
 
Re: FOIA APPEAL 07-566 DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN 
ATYPICAL T.S.E. (PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [Docket 
No. 00-072-1] 
 
 
EXACTLY WHAT are these people capable of doing ??? 
 
JUST HOW FAR will they go ??? 
 
Mad Sheep The True Story Behind the USDA‚ War on a Family Farm Linda 
Faillace 
 
The page-turning account of a government cover-up, corporate greed, and a 
courageous family‚ fight to save their farm.
 
 
 
 
----- Original Message ----- 
 
From: Terry S. Singeltary Sr. 
 
 
Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 12:35 PM 
 
Subject: FOIA REQUEST FOR ATYPICAL TSE INFORMATION ON VERMONT SHEEP 
 
Greetings USDA, 
 
I respectfully request the final results of the mouse bio-assays test that 
were to have supposedly began 2+ years late, 5 years ago, on the imported sheep 
from Belgium ? 
 
WHAT happened to the test results and MOUSE BIO-ASSAYS of those imported 
sheep from Belgium that were confiscated and slaughtered from the Faillace's, 
what sort of TSE did these animals have ? 
 
WERE they atypical scrapie, BSE, and or typical scrapie ? 
 
HOW much longer will you refuse to give us this information ? and for what 
reason ? 
 
WHY is it that the Farm of the Mad Sheep of Mad River Valley were 
quarantined for 5 years, but none of these farms from Texas and Alabama with 
Atypical TSE in the Bovine, they have not been quarantined for 5 years, why not, 
with the real risk of BSE to sheep, whom is to say this was not BSE ? 
 
snip. 
 
full text ; 
 
 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL 
WASHINGTON D.C. 20250
 
DEC 28, 2007
 
Mr. Terry S. Singeltary, Sr. P.O. Box 42 Bacliff, Texas 77518
 
Subject: FOIA Appeal-Log No. 08-00034 (No. 07-00060)
 
Dear Mr. Singeltary:
 
This is in response to your December 3, 2007, Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA), 5 U.S.C. & 552, appeal of the November 20, 2007, decision of Ms. 
Deirdre MacNeil, FOIA/Privacy Act (PA) Attorney, Office of Inspector General 
(OIG), Department of Agriculture (USDA). As explained below, your FOIA appeal is 
denied.
 
As background, on March 1, 2007, you requested the "final results of the 
TSE Mouse-bioassays of those Atypical TSE in the Vermont Sheep." FOIA requires 
the release of agency records except where one or more of the nine enumerated 
exceptions apply. On November 20, 2007, Ms. MacNeil responded to your request by 
sending you seven pages from Hotline files PS-3340-0024, which was responsive to 
your request. Ms. MacNeil withheld identifying information pursuant to 
Exceptions 6 and 7(C) of the FOIA. See 5. U.S.C.& 552(b)(6) and (7)(C). On 
December 3, 2007, you appealed Ms. MacNeils decision.
 
12-3-07
 
To The Honorable Inspector General USDA,
 
I respectfully "APPEAL" the decision to withhold information I requested 
under the F.O.I.A. About the final results of the T.S.E. Mouse-bioassays of the 
Atypical T.S.E. in the Vermont Sheep imported from Belgium and later confiscated 
and slaughtered under a "Extra Ordinary Declaration of Emergency due to Atypical 
T.S.E. in U.S.A. sheep.
 
Log Number 07-00060 FOIA 07-566
 
Terry S. Singeltary Sr. P.O. Box 42 Bacliff, Texas USA 77518
 
Exemption 6 permits the Government to withhold information about 
individuals in "personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of 
which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy." 5 
U.S.C. & 552 (b)(6). To warrant protection under Exemption 6, information 
must first meet a threshold requirement by falling within the category of 
personnel and medical files and similar files. Id. Information fits into a 
"similar file" if it contains information regarding a particular individual. See 
United States Dept of State V. Washington Post Co., 456, 601-02 (1982). The 
threshold is met in this case, as the memorandum contains information regarding 
particular named individuals.
 
Exemption 7(C) protects from disclosure law enforcement information, the 
disclosure of which "could reasonably be expected to constitute and unwarranted 
invasion of personal privacy." 5 U.S.C. & 552(b)(7)(C. Under Exemption 7(C), 
it has been held that a protectible privacy interest exists in the identities of 
investigative agents. See Senate of
 
Mr. Terry S. Singeltary, Sr. Page 2
 
Puerto Rico v. United States Dep't of Justice, 823 F.2d 574, 588-89 (D.C. 
Cir. 1987); Nishnic v. United States Dep't of Justice, 671 F. Supp. 776, 789 
(D.D.C. 1987). Such a privacy interest exists in this case, as the withheld 
information contains the identities, including names and identifying 
information, of investigative agents in the memorandum.
 
Once it is determined that a privacy interest exists, Exemptions 6 and 
7(C), of FOIA require a balancing of interests between the public interest 
served by disclosure and an individual's right to privacy. See, e.g., Senate of 
Puerto Rico, 823 F.2d at 587; Dep't of the Air Force v. Rose, 425 U.S. 352, 372 
(1976). Determination of whether disclosure is warranted turns not upon the 
particular purpose for which the document is requested, but upon the nature of 
the requested document and its relationship to the central purpose of FOIA, 
which is to "open agency action to the light of public scrutiny." United States 
Dep't of Justice v. Reporters Comm. for Freedom of the Press, 489 U.S. 749, 
772-73 (1989) (quoting Rose, 425 U.S. at 372). I have determined that the 
release of the withheld information, of investigative agents in the memorandum, 
would not serve the public interest. Therefore, I am denying your appeal with 
respect to the withholdings pursuant to Exemptions 6 and 7(C).
 
In addition to appealing the exemptions pursuant to 6 and 7(C), you appear 
to take issue with USDA's Animal $ Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS) 
response to your FOIA requests with APHIS. You may contact APHIS regarding the 
status of any such requests by contacting Mr. Garfield Daley, Acting FOIA 
Officer, at (301)734-5273, 4700 River Road, Unit 50, Riverdale, MD, 
20737-1232
 
Finally, in your appeal, you seek answers to a series of questions posed to 
various USDA officials, including the Inspector General, However, FOIA allows 
requesters to access records only. It does not require Federal agencies to 
answer questions, render opinions, provide subjective evaluations, or create 
explanatory materials, See, e.g., NLRB v. Sears, Roebuck & Co. 421 U.S. 132, 
162 (1975); Zemansky v. Epa, 767 f2d 569, 574 (9th Cir. 1985); Flowers v. IRS, 
307 F. Supp. 2d 60, 71 (D.D.C. 2004); Citizens Progressive Alliance v. U.S. 
Bureau of Indian Affairs, 241 F. Supp. 2d 1342, 1364-65 (D.N.M. 2002); Hudgins 
v. IRS, 620 F. Supp. 19, 21 (D.D.C. 1985). As FOIA requires an agency only to 
produce responsive non-exempt records to a requester, OIG is not obligated to 
answer questions regarding the TSE occurrence as you requested. Therefore, I am 
denying your appeal with respect to your questions.
 
Mr. Terry S. Singeltary, Sr. Page 3
 
For these reasons, I am denying your FOIA appeal. This is the final agency 
decision. You may seek judicial review of this decision in the United States 
district court for the judicial district in which you reside or have your 
principal place of business or in the District of Columbia, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
& 552(a)(4)(B).
 
Sincerely,
 
David R. Gray
 
FOR
 
Phyllis K. Fong
 
Inspector General
 
=======END...TSS...4.24.08======= 
 
----- Original Message -----
 
From: Terry S. Singeltary Sr.
 
To: Boyd.Rutherford@usda.gov
 
Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 12:35 PM
 
Subject: FOIA REQUEST FOR ATYPICAL TSE INFORMATION ON VERMONT SHEEP
 
Greetings USDA,
 
I respectfully request the final results of the mouse bio-assays test that 
were to have supposedly began 2+ years late, 5 years ago, on the imported sheep 
from Belgium ?
 
WHAT happened to the test results and MOUSE BIO-ASSAYS of those imported 
sheep from Belgium that were confiscated and slaughtered from the Faillace's, 
what sort of TSE did these animals have ?
 
WERE they atypical scrapie, BSE, and or typical scrapie ?
 
HOW much longer will you refuse to give us this information ? and for what 
reason ?
 
WHY is it that the Farm of the Mad Sheep of Mad River Valley were 
quarantined for 5 years, but none of these farms from Texas and Alabama with 
Atypical TSE in the Bovine, they have not been quarantined for 5 years,why not, 
with the real risk of BSE to sheep, whom is to say this was not BSE ?
 
snip...
 
full text ;
 
 
 
FURTHERMORE, I respectfully request up front, that any fees for this FOIA 
be wavered due to the fact this information should be free to the public and is 
in the best interest for the public to have these final results, no financial 
gain from this FOIA information is to be made either. ...
 
Thank You,
 
kind regards,
 
Terry S. Singeltary Sr.
 
P.O. Box 42
 
Bacliff, Texas USA 77518
 
Imported
 
Belgium/Netherlands
 
Sheep Test Results
 
Background
 
Factsheet
 
Veterinary Services April 2002
 
APHIS
 
snip...
 
Additional tests will be conducted to determine exactly what TSE the 
animals have BSE or scrapie. These tests involve the use of bioassays that 
consist of injecting mice with tissue from the infected animals
 
Page 15 of 98
 
8/3/2006
 
and waiting for them to develop disease. This testing may take at least 2 
to 3 years to complete.
 
 
DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E.
 
(PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES
 
 
DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E
 
(PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [2]
 
 
 
 
Imported Belgium/Netherlands Sheep Test Results Background Factsheet 
Veterinary Services April 2002 APHIS
 
snip...
 
Additional tests will be conducted to determine exactly what TSE the 
animals have  BSE or scrapie. These tests involve the use of bioassays that 
consist of injecting mice with tissue from the infected animals
 
Page 15 of 98
 
8/3/2006
 
and waiting for them to develop disease. This testing may take at least 2 
to 3 years to complete.
 
 
DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E. (PRION 
DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES
 
 
DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E (PRION 
DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [2]
 
 
 
> > DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
> >
> > Office of the Secretary
> >
> > [Docket No. 00-072-2]
> >
> > Declaration of Emergency Because of an Atypical 
Transmissible
> > Spongiform Encephalopathy (Prion Disease) of Foreign 
Origin
> >
> > A transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) (prion 
disease) of
> > foreign origin has been detected in the United States. It is 
different
> > from TSE's previously diagnosed in the United States. The TSE 
was
> > detected in the progeny of imported sheep. The imported sheep 
and
> > their progeny are under quarantine in Vermont. 
Transmissible
> > spongiform encephalopathies are degenerative fatal diseases 
that can
> > affect livestock. TSE's are caused by similar, as yet 
uncharacterized,
> > agents that usually produce spongiform changes in the 
brain.
> > Post-mortem analysis has indicated positive results for an 
atypical
> > TSE of foreign origin in four sheep in Vermont. Because of 
the
> > potentially serious consequences of allowing the disease to 
spread to
> > other livestock in the United States, it is necessary to seize 
and
> > dispose of those flocks of sheep in Vermont that are affected 
with or
> > exposed to the disease, and their germ plasm. The existence of 
the
> > atypical TSE of foreign origin represents a threat to U.S. 
livestock.
> > It constitutes a real danger to the national economy and a 
potential
> > serious burden on interstate and foreign commerce. APHIS 
has
> > insufficient funds to carry out the seizure and disposal of 
animals
> > and germ plasm necessary to eliminate this disease risk. These 
funds
> > would be used to compensate the owners of the animals and germ 
plasm
> > for their seizure and disposal in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 
134a.
> > Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of the Act of 
September
 
Page 16 of 98
 
8/3/2006
 
> > 25, 1981, as amended (7 U.S.C. 147b), I declare that there is 
an
> > emergency that threatens the livestock industry of this 
country and
> > hereby authorize the transfer and use of such funds as may 
be
> > necessary from appropriations or other funds available to 
agencies or
> > corporations of the United States Department of Agriculture to 
seize
> > and dispose of animals that are affected with or exposed to 
this TSE,
> > and their germplasm, in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 134a.
 
> >
 
> > Dated: This declaration of emergency shall become effective 
July 14,
> > 2000. Dan Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture. [FR Doc. 
00-18368 Filed
> > 7-19-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
>
>
> >
> > I was told that ;
> >
> >
 
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 
Re: AW: [BSE-L] USDA did not test possible mad cows - Dr. 
Detwiler, what about those sheep?
Date: Sun, 13 Jun 2004 11:27:24 
-0500
From: "Terry S. Singeltary Sr." 
Reply-To: Bovine Spongiform 
Encephalopathy 
To: BSE-L@uni-karlsruhe.de
References: 
<13 .2d20eaae.2df84fb9="" aol.com=""> 
<40c8c7a0 .1080107="" wt.net="">40c8c7a0>13> 
 
######## Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy 
######### 
Greetings 
list members, 
Thought I 
should let the list know that Dr. Detwiler kindly replied to my
question 
about the delayed 'atypical' TSE testing in the Vermont sheep and
tried to 
explain what caused the delay. If I interpreted it correctly,
seems it was 
the fault of the U.K. ; 
-------- 
Original Message --------
Subject: Sheep
Date: Sat, 12 Jun 2004 14:26:04 
EDT
From: LAVET22@aol.com
To: flounder@wt.net 
Mr. 
Singeltary. 
I hope this 
finds you well. As you are aware I left the USDA last
year. I can only update 
you on the sheep before that time. Contact was
established with the UK on 
doing the bioassay studies. They agreed.
However, we were prioritized after 
their own needs, hence the delay. I
am aware that there are now additional 
labs in Europe running the mouse
bioassay strain typing. You will have to 
contact USDA for further word. 
Linda 
Detwiler
========= 
My reply to 
Dr. Detwiler; 
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: 
Sheep
Date: Sat, 12 Jun 2004 13:53:57 -0500
From: "Terry S. Singeltary 
Sr." 
To: LAVET22@aol.com
References: 
<54 .2bd2ac1e.2dfca4bc="" aol.com="">54> 
hello Dr. 
Detwiler, 
thanks for 
your kind reply. 
> 
However, we were prioritized after their own needs, hence the 
delay. 
not sure i 
understand that? 
> You 
will have to contact USDA for further word. 
already 
done that, and there answer was; 
>5/20/04
> 
>Dear 
Mr. Singeltary,
>
>The Western blot tests on these animals were 
completed in April of this
>year. That means that we can begin the mouse 
inoculations. To get the
>results of the Western blot tests, you will need 
to submit a Freedom of
>Information Act request through our FOIA office. 
The FAX number there is
>301-734-5941.
>
>Have a nice 
day,
>
>Jim Rogers
>APHIS LPA
> 
and with my 
previous attempts for information via the FOIA through
this administration 
(as you are probably very well aware of) they have
all been ignored/refused. 
so any further attempts would be fruitless i am
sure. 
thanks 
anyway... 
kindest 
regards,
Terry 
LAVET22@aol.com wrote: 
> Mr. 
Singeltary. 
snip... 
TSS 
Terry S. 
Singeltary Sr. wrote: 
> 
######## Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy 
> #########
>
> 
Greetings Dr. Detwiler,
>
> glad to see you are still with us, you 
had become very silent lately.
> hope you are enjoying semi 
retirement.
>
> recently, i inquired through the BSE-L and via USDA official 
about
> those Vermont sheep via belgium which there was an 
Extraordinary
> Declaration of Emergency declared here in the USA due 
to
> atypical scrapie. The thread is;
>
> Confiscation of 
Sheep in Vermont and testing results ? Thu, 20 May 2004
> 12:10:03 -0500 
"Terry S. Singeltary Sr." Bovine
> Spongiform Encephalopathy 
BSE-L
>
>
>
>> Imported
>> 
Belgium/Netherlands
>> Sheep Test Results
>> 
Background
>> Factsheet
>> Veterinary Services April 
2002
>> APHIS
>
>
>
> 
snip...
>
>> Additional tests will be conducted to 
determine
>> exactly what TSE the animals have BSE or 
scrapie.
>> These tests involve the use of bioassays that 
consist
>> of injecting mice with tissue from the infected 
animals
>> and waiting for them to develop disease. This 
testing
>> may take at least 2 to 3 years to 
complete.
>
>
>
> http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsheet_faq_notice/fs_ahvtsheeptr.pdf 
>
> DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL 
T.S.E.
> (PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED 
STATES
>
> http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2000_register&docid=fr20jy00-32
>
>
> 
DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E
> (PRION DISEASE) OF 
FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [2]
>
> http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2000_register&docid=fr20jy00-31
>
>
> 
or if those old urls dont work, go here;
>
> DECLARATION OF 
EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E
> (PRION 
DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES
> - Terry S. Singeltary 
Sr. 7/20/00 (0)
>
>
> I was told that 
;
>
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: 
Re: hello Dr. Sutton...question please...scrapie...TSS
> Date: Thu, 20 May 
2004 14:36:09 -0400
> From: Jim.D.Rogers@aphis.usda.gov
> To: 
flounder@wt.net
>
>
>
> Dear Mr. 
Singeltary,
>
> The Western blot tests on these animals were 
completed in April of this
> year. That means that we can begin the mouse 
inoculations. To get the
> results of the Western blot tests, you will 
need to submit a Freedom of
> Information Act request through our FOIA 
office. The FAX number there is
> 301-734-5941.
>
> Have a 
nice day,
>
> Jim Rogers
> APHIS LPA
> 
=========
>
>
> Dr. Detwiler, my question is, why have these 
very important test been
> delayed for so long when we were told they were 
to have been started
> some 2+ years ago?
>
> who made this 
call to delay these very important test and why ?
>
> thank 
you,
> with kindest regards,
>
> Terry
>
>
> 
Linda Detwiler wrote:
>
>> ######## Bovine Spongiform 
Encephalopathy 
>> #########
>>
>> I m responding to 
Roland's post about my quote in the article by Steve
>> Mitchell. I 
spent a fair amount of time on the phone with Mr.
>> Mitchell on more 
than
>> one occasion. The quote was one aspect of our conversation. 
Even
>> the quote
>> included "probably". I explained about 
proper location and sampling
>> condition of the brain. I also added in 
our conversation that the
>> best methodology is
>> to utilize 
both a test for PrP as well as histopathology when examining
>> brains 
from cattle with CNS disease. This is why as early as
>> 1993-94 the 
USDA
>> began using IHC in its TSE testing regime at the National 
Veterinary
>> Services
>> Laboratory. However, utilizing only 
a PrP test eliminates the
>> possibility of
>> diagnosing 
another neurologic disease.
>>
>> All of the tests have 
advantages and disadvantages. For example, I
>> have been
>> 
to a number of laboratories in Europe and watched as technicians 
took
>> the
>> test samples from the brain stem. They sample 
hundreds per night.
>> If they get
>> distracted the may take 
the sample lateral, or rostral to the
>> obex. If this
>> 
animal was in an earlier stage of disease, there may be a very small
>> 
amount of
>> PrPsc and limited to a single location in the brain. If 
that sample
>> missed
>> the obex, the sample would be 
negative and life goes on. With any
>> test using
>> a 
homogenate I am not aware that there is any cross check for 
location.
>>
>> With IHC, the pathologist can determine 
location, however it too has
>> drawbacks in regard to sample 
condition. There is no perfect test.
>> There are
>> 
limitations to the tests themselves and there are limitations to all
>> 
of the aspects
>> of collection. Hence utilizing multiple tests 
especially for CNS
>> cases is
>> prudent. It is also prudent 
to examine other locations of the brain
>> in the event
>> a 
disease changes or something new emerges.
>>
>>
>> 
Linda Detwiler
>>
>> ######### 
http://mailhost-alt.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de/warc/bse-l.html
>> 
##########
>>
>>
>>
>
> ######### 
http://mailhost-alt.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de/warc/bse-l.html
> 
##########
> 
######### 
http://mailhost-alt.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de/warc/bse-l.html 
##########
Saturday, February 27, 2010 
 
*** FINAL REPORT OF THE TESTING OF THE BELGIAN (VERMONT) SHEEP 
 
February 27, 2010 IN SHORT ;
 
August 15, 2000
 
OIG case # NY-3399-56 REDACTED, VT
 
''Enclosed is OIG's notification that they have scheduled an investigation 
of the following individual. REDACTED is alleged to have provided possibly 
inaccurate test results involving diseased sheep. However, because the results 
were determined to be inconclusive, no actual violation was actually 
committed.'' 
 
snip... 
 
PLEASE SEE FULL TEXT HERE ; 
 
 
> > Date: Thu, 20 May 2004 14:36:09 –0400 
 
 
 
> > > snip... 
 
> > > FULL TEXT AND THREAD BETWEEN TSS, MAFF, USDA AND DR. 
DETWILER HERE ;
 
 
OpenDocument
 
7. WHY is it that the Farm of the Mad Sheep of Mad River Valley were 
quarantined for 5 years, but none of these farms from Texas and Alabama with 
Atypical TSE in the Bovine, they have not been quarantined for 5 years, why not, 
with the real risk of BSE to sheep, whom is to say this was not BSE ?
 
SOME DISTURBING TSE DATA FROM BELGIUM ;
 
Increased incidence of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the age groups 
between 70 and 90 years in Belgium
 
B. Van Everbroeck1, A. Michotte2, R. Sciot3, C. Godfraind4, M. Deprez5, S. 
Quoilin6, J. -J. Martin1 and P. Cras1, 7
 
(1) Born-Bunge Institute (BBI), University of Antwerp (UA), Campus Drie 
Eiken (CDE), Antwerp, Belgium
 
(2) Department of Neuropathology, Academic hospital, Free University of 
Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
 
Page 17 of 98
 
8/3/2006
 
(3) Department of Pathology, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, 
Belgium
 
(4) Pathology Laboratory, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, 
Belgium
 
(5) Laboratory of Neuropathology, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, Liège, 
Belgium
 
(6) Institute of Public Health-Louis Pasteur, Brussels, Belgium
 
(7) Laboratory of Neurobiology, BBI, UA, CDE, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 
Wilrijk, Belgium Received: 28 October 2005 Accepted: 28 March 2006 Published 
online: 12 July 2006 Abstract From 1998 a prospective surveillance study of 
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) has been initiated in Belgium. In addition to 
epidemiological data, information on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, prion 
protein gene and brain neuropathology was collected. From 1-1-1998 to 
31-12-2004, 188 patients were referred to the surveillance system. In 85 
patients a ‘definite’ diagnosis of sporadic CJD (sCJD) could be made, whereas 26 
patients remained ‘probable’. We further identified two unrelated patients with 
an E200K mutation, and two patients with a seven octapeptide repeat insertion in 
one family. In one patient a familial history was noted but genetic analysis was 
not performed. In 72 patients different final diagnoses were made, Alzheimer’s 
disease being the most frequent (N = 20). The demographic parameters of the 
Belgian population were similar to those observed in the rest of Europe. We did 
notice a significantly increased age-specific incidence (‰>‰6/106/year) of 
sCJD patients between 70 and 90 years old in the period 2002– 2004 compared to 
1998–2001 and retrospectively obtained data (1990–1997, p < 0.01). We 
undertook a detailed clinical and biochemical analysis to investigate this 
increase but could not identify any reason other than an increased vigilance for 
the diagnosis.
 
In conclusion, our study identified that in the past sCJD may have been 
underestimated in patients over age 70 although these patients are both 
clinically and neurobiochemically similar to the general sCJD phenotype. 
Keywords Diagnosis - Epidemiology - Prion disease - Transmissible spongiform 
encephalopathy
 
 
BASE in cattle in Italy of Identification of a second bovine amyloidotic 
spongiform encephalopathy: Molecular similarities with sporadic 
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
 
 
Atypical Case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in an East-Flemish Cow in 
Belgium
 
H. De Bosschere, DVM, PhD
 
S. Roels, DVM, PhD
 
E. Vanopdenbosch, DVM, Lic Page 18 of 98
 
8/3/2006
 
Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA/CERVA) National Reference 
Laboratorium for Veterinary TSEs
 
Groeselenberg 99, B-1180
 
Ukkel (Brussels), Belgium
 
KEY WORDS: Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE, Western blot, atypical 
BSE.
 
ABSTRACT
 
For many years, researchers believed that only one bovine spongiform 
encephalopathy (BSE) strain existed, in contrast to the many different scrapie 
strains found. However, only very recently reports emerged about unconventional 
BSE strains seen in Italy, France, and Japan. The present case describes an 
atypical strain of BSE in Belgium in a 64-month old East-Flemish cow with an 
electrophoretic profile and other features similar to those described in 
Japan.
 
INTRODUCTION
 
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or prion diseases, are a 
group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases including sheep and goat scrapie, 
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in 
humans. They are characterized by the accumulation of an abnormal protein, 
called PrPsc, which is formed post translationally from the normal isoform 
(PrPc).1,2 At present, the agent causing TSEs is still incompletely 
characterized, although PrPsc is believed to be its major if not unique 
constituent.3
 
Research in mice showed the existence of different scrapie strains.4,5 
Scrapie strain discrimination is currently based on biologic typing in a panel 
of inbred mice, using incubation time and brain pathology scoring as criteria.6 
However, no large-scale studies of the molecular features of PrPsc have been 
reported for bovine BSE to date. Till now, the BSE strain seemed to maintain 
constant biologic and molecular properties even after experimental or accidental 
passages into different species, such as mice, humans, primates, and sheep.7–10 
However, very recently, variant forms of BSE have been reported in Japan, Italy, 
and France.11-13 These forms were characterized by atypical histopathologic, 
immunohistochemical, or biochemical phenotypes. The present case is the 
description of the first atypical BSE case in Belgium.
 
MATERIALS AND METHODS
 
Since January 2001, all cattle older than 30 months are tested for TSE via 
a rapid test (TeSeE-kit, Bio-Rad, Nazareth, Belgium) after EC regulation 
999/2001.14,15 Samples positive according to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent 
assay (ELISA) screening are further subjected to scrapie-associated fibrils 
(SAF), histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot (WB) testing 16,17 
at the National Reference Laboratory (NRL).
 
RESULTS
 
A positive ELISA sample from a 64-month-old East-Flemish cow or Belgian 
white and red (Figure 1) was presented at the NRL for confirmation. The animal 
was reported healthy before slaughter. The optical density (OD) titers at the 
local laboratory were 2.324 and 2.116.16 The OD titers at the NRL were 0.953 and 
0.708 (sample taken at the contralateral side of the first sampling side of the 
obex region). The histopathology of the obex, pons, and midbrain
 
Page 19 of 98
 
8/3/2006
 
showed no spongiform changes; immunohistochemistry of the brainstem 
revealed no signal of PrPsc accumulation typical for BSE; and SAF was negative. 
However, WB analysis (Bovine WB, Bio-Rad, France; antibodies 12F10 and SAF60) of 
the same homogenate that was prepared from the obex region for ELISA revealed a 
small amount of PrPsc with an electrophoretic profile different from that of 
typical BSE-associated PrPsc.18,19 The band on the gel of the non-glycosylated 
form of PrPsc of the present case clearly showed a lower migration pattern 
compared with that of a typical BSE case (Figure 2).
 
DISCUSSION
 
For many years, researchers assumed that only one BSE strain existed.7–10 
Only in the past months, reports of atypical BSE cases were announced.11–13 The 
Japanese case11 describes a very young bull (23 months) characterized by the 
absence of spongiform changes and PrPsc deposits immunohistochemically. The WB 
analysis revealed an electrophoretic profile different from that of typical BSE, 
characterized by low content of the di-glycosylated molecular form of PrPsc and 
a faster migration of the nonglycosylated form of PrPsc. In Italy,12 two BSE 
affected cattle with a previously unrecognized neuropathologic profile and PrPsc 
type were seen. These cases were determined using a different staining pattern 
on immunohistochemistry, a difference in size and glycoform ratio of PrPsc on 
immunoblot and a difference in regional distribution of lesions. The two cases 
in France13 showed variant molecular features with a different PrPsc 
electrophoretic profile from other BSE cases, mainly characterized by a higher 
molecular mass of the nonglycosylated PrPsc. The present case shows the most 
similarities (ie, identical electrophoretic profile, only ELISA and WB positive 
and histopathology and immunohistochemistry negative) with the Japanese case,11 
although the cow in the Japanese case was only 23 months old, and the cow in 
this case was 64 months old.
 
The fact that these strains were detected worldwide and in several breeds 
suggest that there is no local or breed dependent feature involved. It could be 
that the WB techniques have become more specific within the past year in the 
detection of minor differences in di-, mono-, and nonglycosylated molecular 
forms of PrPsc. Infection of cattle by scrapie could also be considered since 
scrapie can be transmitted by direct contact between animals or through 
environmental contamination.13
 
In conclusion, this Belgian case should be added to the list of atypical 
BSE strains only very recently detected worldwide and may contribute to further 
research studies about epidemiologic significance. Current continued research on 
BSE would appear to reveal different BSE strains in analogy with the different 
scrapie strains.
 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
 
The authors wish to thank Rita Geeroms, Patrick Van Muylem, Stephanie 
Durand, Raphaël Foubert and Amina Chama for their technical assistance. Mario 
Vanpoucke is acknowledged for providing references.
 
REFERENCES
 
snip...
 
 
[PDF]Response to Public Comments - USDA Food Safety and ...
 
www.fsis.usda.gov/.../BSE_Risk_Asse... Cached
 
Food Safety and Inspection Service Loading... 
 
Oct 31, 2005 - documents sent to the docket. ... 
 
2 Expanded “Mad Cow” Safeguards Announced to Strengthen Existing ... 
 
FSIS and APHIS that the estimated percentage of poultry litter fed to 
..... 0579-AB93, Federal Register, Vol.70 No. ..... 
 
Comment #7: WHY is it that the Farm of the Mad Sheep of Mad River Valley 
were. 
 
 
Comment #6: WHAT happened to the test results and MOUSE BIO-ASSAYS of those 
imported sheep from Belgium that were confiscated and slaughtered from the 
Faillace's, what sort of TSE did these animals have?
 
Response: It is not clear how the test results referred to in this comment 
are relevant to the Harvard BSE Risk Assessment Update. Sheep were not 
considered in the risk assessment.
 
Comment #7: WHY is it that the Farm of the Mad Sheep of Mad River Valley 
were quarantined for 5 years, but none of these farms from Texas and Alabama 
with Atypical TSE in the Bovine, they have not been quarantined for 5 years, why 
not, with the real risk of BSE to sheep, whom is to say this was not BSE ?
 
Response: This comment pertains to policy. As such, it is not addressed 
here. 
 
 [PDF]Owens, Julie Page 1 of 98 8/3/2006 - USDA Food Safety ...
 
www.fsis.usda.gov/.../2006-0011-1.p... Cached
 
Food Safety and Inspection Service Loading... by F Greetings - 2006 - 
Related articles Aug 3, 2006 - 
 
Subject: [Docket No. FSIS-2006-0011] ... [Federal Register: July 12, 2006 
(Volume 71, Number 133)]. [Notices] ..... group as compared to prior years, we 
found that conflicting APHIS instructions ..... 
 
WHY is it that the Farm of the Mad Sheep of Mad River Valley were 
quarantined for 5 years, but none of these. 
 
 
 
 
 
> >> Imported 
 
> >> Belgium/Netherlands 
 
> >> Sheep Test Results 
 
> >> Background 
 
> >> Factsheet 
 
> >> Veterinary Services April 2002 
 
> >> APHIS 
 
> > > > 
 
> > > > snip... 
 
> > > >> Additional tests will be conducted to determine 
 
> >> exactly what TSE the animals have BSE or scrapie. 
 
> >> These tests involve the use of bioassays that consist 
 
> >> of injecting mice with tissue from the infected animals 
 
> >> and waiting for them to develop disease. This testing 
 
> >> may take at least 2 to 3 years to complete. 
 
 
> > > > > > DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY 
BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E. 
 
> > (PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES 
 
 
> > > > > > > > > DECLARATION OF 
EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN ATYPICAL T.S.E 
 
> > (PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES [2] 
 
 
> > > > > > > > > or if those old urls dont 
work, go here; 
 
> > > > DECLARATION OF EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF AN 
ATYPICAL T.S.E 
 
> > (PRION DISEASE) OF FOREIGN ORIGIN IN THE UNITED STATES 
 
> > - Terry S. 
 
> > Singeltary Sr. 7/20/00 (0) 
 
> > > > > [Federal Register: July 20, 2000 (Volume 65, 
Number 140)] [Notices] 
 
> > [Page 45018] 
 
>From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access 
 
> > [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr20jy00-32] 
 
> > > > 
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
> > > > DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
 
> > > > Office of the Secretary 
 
> > > > [Docket No. 00-072-1] 
 
> > > > Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency Because of an 
Atypical 
 
> > Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (Prion Disease) of 
Foreign Origin 
 
> > > > A transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) 
(prion disease) of 
 
> > foreign origin has been detected in the United States. It is 
different 
 
> > from TSE's previously diagnosed in the United States. The TSE 
was 
 
> > detected in the progeny of imported sheep. The imported sheep 
and 
 
> > their progeny are under quarantine in Vermont. Transmissible 
 
> > spongiform encephalopathies are degenerative fatal diseases 
that can 
 
> > affect livestock. TSE's are caused by similar, as yet 
uncharacterized, 
 
> > agents that usually produce spongiform changes in the brain. 
 
> > Post-mortem analysis has indicated positive results for an 
atypical 
 
> > TSE of foreign origin in four sheep in Vermont. Because of the 
 
> > potentially serious consequences of allowing the disease to 
spread to 
 
> > other livestock in the United States, it is necessary to seize 
and 
 
> > dispose of those flocks of sheep in Vermont that are affected 
with or 
 
> > exposed to the disease, and their germ plasm. The existence of 
the 
 
> > atypical TSE of foreign origin represents a threat to U.S. 
livestock. 
 
> > It constitutes a real danger to the national economy and a 
potential 
 
> > serious burden on interstate and foreign commerce. The 
Department has 
 
> > reviewed the measures being taken by Vermont to quarantine and 
 
> > regulate the flocks in question and has consulted with 
appropriate 
 
> > officials in the State of Vermont. Based on such review and 
 
> > consultation, the Department has determined that Vermont does 
not have 
 
> > the funds to compensate flock owners for the seizure and 
disposal of 
 
> > flocks affected with or exposed to the disease, and their germ 
plasm. 
 
> > Without such funds, it will be unlikely to achieve expeditious 
 
> > disposal of the flocks and germ plasm. Therefore, the 
Department has 
 
> > determined that an extraordinary emergency exists because of 
the 
 
> > existence of the atypical TSE in Vermont. This declaration of 
 
> > extraordinary emergency authorizes the Secretary to seize, 
quarantine, 
 
> > and dispose of, in such manner as he deems necessary, any 
animals that 
 
> > he finds are affected with or exposed to the disease in 
question, and 
 
> > their germ plasm, and otherwise to carry out the provisions 
and 
 
> > purposes of the Act of July 2, 1962 (21 U.S.C. 134-134h). The 
State of 
 
> > Vermont has been informed of these facts. 
 
> > > > Dated: This declaration of extraordinary emergency 
shall become 
 
> > effective July 14, 2000. Dan Glickman, Secretary of 
Agriculture. [FR 
 
> > Doc. 00-18367 Filed 7-19-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-34-P 
 
 
 
 
 
THE 
REST IS HISTORY, around 2005, what they were trying to stop at the Faillaces 
front door, was then finally documented anyway, and since then, the Nor-98 
‘foreign animal disease’ Winking smile , has spread from coast to coast in North 
America. 
 
*** 
The discovery of previously unrecognized prion diseases in both humans and 
animals (i.e., Nor98 in small ruminants) demonstrates that the range of prion 
diseases might be wider than expected and raises crucial questions about the 
epidemiology and strain properties of these new forms. We are investigating this 
latter issue by molecular and biological comparison of VPSPr, GSS and Nor98. 
 
Saturday, July 6, 2013 
 
Small Ruminant Nor98 Prions Share Biochemical Features with Human 
Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker Disease and Variably Protease-Sensitive 
Prionopathy 
 
Research Article 
 
From: TSS 
(216-119-138-157.ipset18.wt.net)
Subject: Re: More on 
the Mad Sheep from Mad River Valley
Date: August 12, 2000 at 
8:44 am PST  
In Reply to: More on 
the Mad Sheep from Mad River Valley posted by Terry S. Singeltary Sr. on 
August 12, 2000 at 8:42 am: 
######### Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy ######### 
>BSE-suspected Vermont Sheep Get 
Another
>Reprieve, USDA Backs Off Slaughter 
Order
>
>BURLINGTON, Vt., August 10 (United Press International) -- 
Two
>flocks of exotic sheep scheduled for slaughter this week in 
Vermont
>because of fears some of the animals might be infected with a 
form
>of the deadly mad cow disease have won yet another 
reprieve.
>
>The U.S. Department of Agriculture has temporarily 
backed off plans
>to seize and destroy the animals, the Burlington Free 
Press reported
>Thursday.
> 
Actually something else happened in the 
interim: 
Vermont sheep still grazing as lawyers reach deal
Thu, Aug 10, 2000 Reuters
BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug 10 (Reuters) - Lawyers for owners of Vermont 
sheep
suspected of having a neurological ailment similar to mad cow 
disease
struck a deal with prosecutors on Thursday for a fuller court hearing 
on
the animals' fate.
Under the agreement, lawyers for the farmers will forgo 
afederal
appeals case in return for a more detailed hearing
Under the 
agreement, lawyers for the farmers will forgo afederal
appeals case in return 
for a more detailed hearing in a lower court, said
Tom Amidon, who represents 
sheep farmer Houghton Freeman.
"So the sheep are on the farm awhile," Amidon 
said. He hoped a new
hearing would allow for closer examination of claims by 
the U.S.
Agriculture Department, which wants to seize and eliminate the 350 
sheep
under scrutiny as a health precaution.
U.S. District Judge Garvan Murtha ruled last week the 
Agriculture
Department could carry out its plan. But the farmers planned to 
appeal
before Thursday's agreement changed the legal picture.
"We will 
drop our appeal to the second circuit and in return the U.S.
attorneys office 
in Vermont will allow us to hold a fuller court hearing,"
Amidon said.
Four sheep on Vermont farms near Warren, Vermont, tested positive 
last
month for a disease known as TSE or transmissible 
spongiform
encephalopathy, according to USDA officials.
TSE can cause scrapie, a fatal disease in sheep. It is also part of 
a
family of diseases that includes deadly BSE, also known as 
bovine
spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease.
No cases of BSE or mad cow disease have ever been found in the 
United
States, but the human form of the disease is blamed for 75 deaths 
in
Britain during the 1980s.
Breeding pairs for the two flocks of diary sheep came from Belgium 
and
the Netherlands in the mid-90s.
Amidon said the Belgian government has sent a letter to the 
USDA
requesting the return of all 350 sheep and that Freeman had already 
lined
up a plane to transport them. Whether that will eventually occur 
remains 
############ 
http://mailhost.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de/warc/bse-l.html ############
BSE 
INQUIRY DFAs
 
Sunday, May 18, 2008 
 
BSE Inquiry DRAFT FACTUAL ACCOUNT DFA 
 
BSE Inquiry DRAFT FACTUAL ACCOUNTS DFA's 
 
 
Sunday, May 18, 2008 
 
BSE, CJD, and Baby foods (the great debate 1999 to 2005) 
 
 
Sunday, May 18, 2008 
 
MAD COW DISEASE BSE CJD CHILDREN VACCINES 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE OF THE BELGIAN FEDERAL AGENCY FOR THE SAFETY OF THE 
FOOD CHAIN
 
 
Subject: RAPID ADVICE 17-2014 : Evaluation of the risk for public health 
of casings in countries with a “negligible risk status for BSE” and on the risk 
of modification of the list of specified risk materials (SRM) with regard to BSE 
 
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE OF THE BELGIAN FEDERAL AGENCY FOR THE SAFETY OF THE 
FOOD CHAIN
 
RAPID ADVICE 17-2014
 
Subject: Evaluation of the risk for public health of casings in 
countries with a “negligible risk status for BSE” and on the risk of 
modification of the list of specified risk materials (SRM) with regard to BSE 
(Dossier SciCom 2014/22) Rapid advice approved by the Scientific Committee on 
22nd October 2014.
 
Summary
 
The 
Scientific Committee was asked to answer two questions in regard to a proposal 
from the European Commission to no longer obligate Member States with a 
negligible BSE risk status to remove and dispose the specified risk materials as 
specified in Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament 
and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control 
and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The aim of 
this modification of the Regulation is to ensure that conditions for imports of 
commodities from third countries are not more favorable than the conditions 
applying to Member States with the same OIE BSE negligible risk status. More 
specifically it was asked to the Scientific Committee:
 
- 
If there is a difference in public health risk between the casings imported from 
third countries with a “negligible risk status for BSE” and casings that come 
from the 18 EU Member States with a “negligible risk status for BSE”?
 
- 
If there is a significantly increased public health risk if, in the EU Member 
States with a “negligible risk status for BSE”, the intestines are no longer 
removed as SRM and if the other risk materials for BSE (the skull including the 
brains and eyes, the spinal cord, the tonsils and the spine) are indeed 
considered as SRM?
 
Due 
to lack of availability of data on true prevalence and tissue infectivity of BSE 
(classical as well as atypical BSE) the Scientific Committee was not able to 
thoroughly investigate the questions.
 
Removal of specified risk materials from cattle at slaughter prevents 
BSE infected materials from entering the human food chain.
 
The 
Scientific Committee is of the opinion that, taking into consideration the 
uncertainties in regard to the true prevalence of BSE (classical as well as 
atypical BSE) in countries with a “negligible risk status for BSE” and given the 
problems related with the early detection of asymptomatic BSE and given the 
zoonotic significance of atypical BSE, that stopping with the routine removal of 
specified risk materials during bovine slaughter will increase the risk for 
public health.
 
2/14
 
The 
Scientific Committee is not able to compare the public health risk of casings 
from third countries and from the 18 EU Member States, both with a negligible 
risk status for BSE, because of lack of data on true BSE prevalence and BSE 
tissue infectivity (classical BSE and atypical BSE) in the considered 
countries.
 
The 
Scientific Committee is also not able to properly answer the second question if 
there is a significantly increased public health risk if, in the EU Member 
States with a “negligible risk status for BSE”, the intestines are no longer 
removed as SRM due to lack of quantitative data on tissue infectivity of 
different specified risk materials in slaughtered bovines in these countries. 
There is also no information on tissue infectivity of atypical BSE cases. It is 
known however that intestines are the portal of entry of prions and that they 
are already infective before the prions reach the central nervous system.
 
The 
final decision pertaining the need of removal of all or part of the specified 
risk materials is a risk management decision and goes beyond the competencies of 
the Scientific Committee.
 
Samenvatting Sneladvies over de risico’s voor de volksgezondheid van 
worstenvellen in landen met een “verwaarloosbaar risicostatuut voor BSE” en over 
de risico’s van wijziging van een lijst van gespecifieerde risicomaterialen 
(GRM) voor BSE 
 
snip... 
 
In 
conclusion the Scientific Committee is not able to answer this question with an 
acceptable degree of uncertainty because of lack of data on true prevalence of 
BSE (classical as well as atypical forms of BSE) in the considered countries. It 
reiterates its concern regarding the import of certain animal products from 
third countries with a ‘negligible BSE risk status’ as stated in rapid advice 
SciCom 16-2013.
 
snip...
 
2. 
Is there a significantly increased public health risk if, in the EU Member 
States with a “negligible risk status for BSE”, the intestines are no longer 
removed as SRM while the other risk materials for BSE (the skull including the 
brains and eyes, the spinal cord, the tonsils and the spine) are indeed 
considered as SRM?
 
Once again the Scientific Committee is not able to properly answer this 
question because of lack of quantitative data on tissue infectivity of different 
specified risk materials in slaughtered bovines in EU Member States with a 
“negligible risk status for BSE”.
 
BSE 
infected animals may enter undetected the food chain due to the low sensitivity 
of the diagnostic tests. Further on the classical BSE agent accumulates from the 
first months post exposure in particular segments of the bovine intestines and 
persists till clinical onset. In addition no information is available about the 
infectivity of tissues by the atypical BSE agent, especially in the 
intestines.
 
If 
intestines from cattle in EU Member States with a “negligible risk status for 
BSE” are no longer removed as SRM and are allowed to enter the food chain the 
public health risk will be increased. The degree of rise in risk level cannot be 
determined. According to EFSA Journal 2014;12(2):3554, the TSEi model indicated 
that the removal of the last four meters of the small intestine and of the 
caecum from the food and feed chain would result in a major reduction of the 
Classical BSE exposure risk associated with intestine and mesentery in 
cattle.
 
Referring to its previous advice 16-2013 the Scientific Committee 
repeats that stopping with the routine removal of all specified risk materials 
during bovine slaughter will increase the risks of exposure of the population to 
BSE because of the uncertainty related to the detection of BSE. This uncertainty 
is the consequence of the long incubation period (especially in cases of 
atypical BSE), the low sensitivity of the available diagnostic methods, the 
apparent spontaneous nature of atypical BSE, the lack of a clear clinical 
picture of atypical BSE cases and the reduction in number of tests in healthy 
slaughtered animals.
 
The 
final decision pertaining the need of removal of all or part of the specified 
risk materials is a decision to be taken by the risk manager and goes beyond the 
competencies of the Scientific Committee.
 
5. 
Conclusion
 
Removal of specified risk materials from cattle at slaughter prevents 
BSE infected materials from entering the human food chain.
 
The 
Scientific Committee is of the opinion that, taking into consideration the 
uncertainties in regard to the true prevalence of BSE (including classical as 
well asaAtypical BSE) in countries with a “negligible risk status for BSE” and 
given the problems related with the early detection of asymptomatic BSE and 
given the zoonotic character of atypical BSE, stopping with the routine removal 
of all specified risk materials during bovine slaughter will increase the risk 
for public health.
 
12/14
 
The 
Scientific Committee is not able to compare the public health risk of casings 
from third countries and from the 18 EU Member States both with a negligible 
risk status for BSE because of lack of data on true BSE prevalence (classical 
BSE and atypical BSE) in the considered countries.
 
The 
Scientific Committee is not able to properly answer the question if there is a 
significantly increased public health risk if, in the EU Member States with a 
“negligible risk status for BSE”, the intestines are no longer removed as SRM 
due to lack of quantitative data on tissue infectivity of different specified 
risk materials in slaughtered bovines in these countries. There is also no 
information on tissue infectivity by the agent of atypical BSE.
 
On 
behalf of the Scientific Committee, The President Prof. Dr. E. Thiry (Sgd.) 
Brussels, 06/11/2014
 
References
 
snip...end
 
 
Thursday, July 24, 2014
 
Protocol for further laboratory investigations into the distribution of 
infectivity of Atypical BSE SCIENTIFIC REPORT OF EFSA
 
 
P7.09 
 
Biochemical screening for identification of atypical bse in belgium, 
1999-present 
 
Authors 
 
Alexandre DobIy: Caroline Rodeghiero, Riet Geeroms; Stephanie Durand, 
Jessica De Sloovere, Emanuel Yanopdenbosch, Stefan Roels, 
 
Content 
 
Background: Recently atypical forms of BSE have been described. Western 
blot analyses showed that, in comparison to the classic BSE (C-type), they are 
demonstrable by a higher or lower molecular weight of the unglycosylated PrPres. 
They Viere thus named H-type and L-type BSE (L-type is also called BASE). In 
addition they show a lower proportion of diglycosylated PrPres than C-type. 
These emerging types represent different strains of BSE. They show unique 
incubation periods and histological lesions. Such types have been described on 
different continents. Indeed they might correspond to "sporadic" forms of BSE. 
In 2004 we already described one L-type in Belgium. 
 
Objective: We retrospectively analysed the bovines at least 7-year-old 
in the Belgian archive of BSE diagnosed cattle in order to determine the 
prevalence of the two types of atypical BSE in Belgium. 
 
Methods: We analysed homogenates from 39 bovines of 93 months old in 
median (min: 84, max: 181 months). The most recent one was diagnosed in 2006. We 
used Western blot with a panel of anti-PrP antibodies (Ab). They detect 
different regions of the PrP protein, from N-terminal to C-terminal: 12B2, 9A2, 
Sha31. SAFB4, 94B4. Their combination is aimed at an efficient typing 
diagnostic. We detected bound Ab with SuperSignal West Dura (Pierce) and 
analysed PrPres, signals with an image-analysis software (Quantity One, 
Bio-Rad). 
 
Results: The results are still under analysis. We will detail the most 
crucial characteristics for typing PrPres. These include 1) the apparent 
molecular mass of the an-, mono- and diglycosylated bands, 2) the binding 
affinity to the five Ab (e.g.12B2 for H-type), 3) the presence of a fourth 
(unglycosylated) band and 4) the glycoprofile based on the relative proportions 
of the visible bands. 
 
Discussion: The emergence of atypical types of BSE is partially due to a 
better knowledge of prion strains and more efficient diagnostic techniques. As 
the area in the brain where the PrPres is deposited can differ drastically 
between the types, it is essential to ascertain that the sampling techniques and 
analyses are adapted to these new types. As these new strains seem more virulent 
than classic types, they represent one of the next challenges in the field of 
prions. 
 
 
 
Atypical Case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in an East-Flemish Cow 
in Belgium
 
H. 
De Bosschere, DVM, PhD
 
S. 
Roels, DVM, PhD
 
E. 
Vanopdenbosch, DVM, Lic
 
Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA/CERVA)
 
National Reference Laboratorium for Veterinary TSEs
 
Groeselenberg 99, B-1180 
 
Ukkel (Brussels), Belgium 
 
KEY 
WORDS: Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE, Western blot, atypical BSE.
 
ABSTRACT
 
For 
many years, researchers believed that only one bovine spongiform encephalopathy 
(BSE) strain existed, in contrast to the many different scrapie strains found. 
However, only very recently reports emerged about unconventional BSE strains 
seen in Italy, France, and Japan. The present case describes an atypical strain 
of BSE in Belgium in a 64-month-old East-Flemish cow with an electrophoretic 
profile and other features similar to those described in Japan. 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or prion diseases, are 
a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases including sheep and goat scrapie, 
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in 
humans. They are characterized by the accumulation of an abnormal protein, 
called PrPsc, which is formed post-translationally from the normal isoform 
(PrPc).1,2 At present, the agent causing TSEs is still incompletely 
characterized, although PrPsc is believed to be its major if not unique 
constituent.3 
 
Research in mice showed the existence of different scrapie strains.4,5 
Scrapie strain discrimination is currently based on biologic typing in a panel 
of inbred mice, using incubation time and brain pathology scoring as criteria.6 
However, no large-scale studies of the molecular features of PrPsc have been 
reported for bovine BSE to date. Till now, the BSE strain seemed to maintain 
constant biologic and molecular properties even after experimental or accidental 
passages into different species, such as mice, humans, primates, and sheep.7-10 
However, very recently, variant forms of BSE have been reported in Japan, Italy, 
and France.11-13 These forms were characterized by atypical histopathologic, 
immunohistochemical, or biochemical phenotypes. The present case is the 
description of the first atypical BSE case in Belgium.
 
snip...
 
In 
conclusion, this Belgian case should be added to the list of atypical BSE 
strains only very recently detected worldwide and may contribute to further 
research studies about epidemiologic significance. Current continued research on 
BSE would appear to reveal different BSE strains in analogy with the different 
scrapie strains. 
 
 
 
-------- Original Message -------- 
 
Subject: Atypical Case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in an 
East-Flemish Cow in Belgium 
 
Date: Fri, 04 Feb 2005 10:59:33 –0600 
 
From: "Terry S. Singeltary Sr." 
 
To: 
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy 
 
CC: 
cjdvoice@yahoogroups.com 
 
Atypical Case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in an East-Flemish Cow 
in Belgium 
 
H. 
De Bosschere, DVM, PhD 
 
S. 
Roels, DVM, PhD 
 
E. 
Vanopdenbosch, DVM, Lic 
 
Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA/CERVA) 
 
National Reference Laboratorium for Veterinary TSEs 
 
Groeselenberg 99, B-1180 
 
Ukkel (Brussels), Belgium 
 
KEY 
WORDS: Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE, Western blot, atypical BSE. 
 
ABSTRACT 
 
For 
many years, researchers believed that only one bovine spongiform encephalopathy 
(BSE) strain existed, in contrast to the many different scrapie strains found. 
However, only very recently reports emerged about unconventional BSE strains 
seen in Italy, France, and Japan. The present case describes an atypical strain 
of BSE in Belgium in a 64-month-old East-Flemish cow with an electrophoretic 
profile and other features similar to those described in Japan. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or prion diseases, are 
a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases including sheep and goat scrapie, 
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in 
humans. They are characterized by the accumulation of an abnormal protein, 
called PrPsc, which is formed post-translationally from the normal isoform 
(PrPc).1,2 At present, the agent causing TSEs is still incompletely 
characterized, although PrPsc is believed to be its major if not unique 
constituent.3 
 
Research in mice showed the existence of different scrapie strains.4,5 
Scrapie strain discrimination is currently based on biologic typing in a panel 
of inbred mice, using incubation time and brain pathology scoring as criteria.6 
However, no large-scale studies of the molecular features of PrPsc have been 
reported for bovine BSE to date. Till now, the BSE strain seemed to maintain 
constant biologic and molecular properties even after experimental or accidental 
passages into different species, such as mice, humans, primates, and sheep.7 10 
However, very recently, variant forms of BSE have been reported in Japan, Italy, 
and France.11-13 These forms were characterized by atypical histopathologic, 
immunohistochemical, or biochemical phenotypes. The present case is the 
description of the first atypical BSE case in Belgium. 
 
MATERIALS AND METHODS 
 
Since January 2001, all cattle older than 30 months are tested for TSE 
via a rapid test (TeSeE-kit, Bio-Rad, Nazareth, Belgium) after EC regulation 
999/2001.14,15 Samples positive according to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent 
assay (ELISA) screening are further subjected to scrapie-associated fibrils 
(SAF), histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot (WB) testing16,17 
at the National Reference Laboratory (NRL). 
 
RESULTS 
 
A 
positive ELISA sample from a 64-month-old East-Flemish cow or Belgian white and 
red (Figure 1) was presented at the NRL for confirmation. The animal was 
reported healthy before slaughter. The optical density (OD) titers at the local 
laboratory were 2.324 and 2.116.16 The OD titers at the NRL were 0.953 and 0.708 
(sample taken at the contralateral side of the first sampling side of the obex 
region). The histopathology of the obex, pons, and midbrain showed no spongiform 
changes; immunohistochemistry of the brainstem revealed no signal of PrPsc 
accumulation typical for BSE; and SAF was negative. However, WB analysis (Bovine 
WB, Bio-Rad, France; antibodies 12F10 and SAF60) of the same homogenate that was 
prepared from the obex region for ELISA revealed a small amount of PrPsc with an 
electrophoretic profile different from that of typical BSE-associated 
PrPsc.18,19 The band on the gel of the non-glycosylated form of PrPsc of the 
present case clearly showed a lower migration pattern compared with that of a 
typical BSE case (Figure 2). 
 
DISCUSSION 
 
For 
many years, researchers assumed that only one BSE strain existed.7 10 Only in 
the past months, reports of atypical BSE cases were announced.11 13 The Japanese 
case11 describes a very young bull (23 months) characterized by the absence of 
spongiform changes and PrPsc deposits immunohistochemically. The WB analysis 
revealed an electrophoretic profile different from that of typical BSE, 
characterized by low content of the di-glycosylated molecular form of PrPsc and 
a faster migration of the nonglycosylated form of PrPsc. In Italy,12 two BSE 
affected cattle with a previously unrecognized neuropathologic profile and PrPsc 
type were seen. These cases were determined using a different staining pattern 
on immunohistochemistry, a difference in size and glycoform ratio of PrPsc on 
immunoblot and a difference in regional distribution of lesions. The two cases 
in France13 showed variant molecular features with a different PrPsc 
electrophoretic profile from other BSE cases, mainly characterized by a higher 
molecular mass of the nonglycosylated PrPsc. The present case shows the most 
similarities (ie, identical electrophoretic profile, only ELISA and WB positive 
and histopathology and immunohistochemistry negative) with the Japanese case,11 
although the cow in the Japanese case was only 23 months old, and the cow in 
this case was 64 months old. 
 
The 
fact that these strains were detected worldwide and in several breeds suggest 
that there is no local or breed-dependent feature involved. It could be that the 
WB techniques have become more specific within the past year in the detection of 
minor differences in di-, mono-, and nonglycosylated molecular forms of PrPsc. 
Infection of cattle by scrapie could also be considered since scrapie can be 
transmitted by direct contact between animals or through environmental 
contamination.13 
 
In 
conclusion, this Belgian case should be added to the list of atypical BSE 
strains only very recently detected worldwide and may contribute to further 
research studies about epidemiologic significance. Current continued research on 
BSE would appear to reveal different BSE strains in analogy with the different 
scrapie strains. 
 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
 
The 
authors wish to thank Rita Geeroms, Patrick Van Muylem, Stephanie Durand, 
Raphaël Foubert and Amina Chama for their technical assistance. Mario Vanpoucke 
is acknowledged for providing references. 
 
REFERENCES 
 
1. 
Oesch B, Westaway D, Walchii M, et al: A cellular gene encodes PrP 27 30 
protein. Cell 40:735 746, 1985. 
 
2. 
Prusiner SB, De Armond SJ: Prion diseases and neurodegeneration. Annu Rev 
Neurosci 17:311 339, 1994. 
 
3. 
Prusiner SB: Scrapie prions. Annu Rev Microbiol 43:345 374, 1989. 
 
4. 
Bruce M, Dickinson AG: Biological evidence that scrapie agent has an independent 
genome. J Gen Virol 68:79 89, 1987. 
 
5. 
Fraser H, Dickinson AG: Scrapie in mice: Agent strain differences in the 
distribution and intensity of grey matter vacuolation. J Comp Pathol 83:29 40, 
1973. 
 
6. 
Bruce M, McConnell I, Fraser H, Dickinson AG: The disease characteristics of 
different strains of scrapie in Sinc Congenic mice lines: Impications for the 
nature of the agent and host control of pathogenesis. J Virol 72:595 603, 1991. 
 
7. 
Bruce M, Chree A, McDonnell I, et al: Transmission of bovine spongiform 
encephalopathy and scrapie to mice: Strain variation and the species barrier. 
Philos Trans R Soc Lon Ser B 343:405 411, 1994. 
 
8. 
Bruce M, Will RG, Ironside JW, et al: Transmissions to mice indicate that  new 
variant  CJD is caused by the BSE agent. Nature 389:498 501, 1997. 
 
9. 
Foster JD, Bruce M, McDonnell I, et al: Detection of BSE infectivity in brain 
and spleen of experimentally infected sheep. Vet Rec 138:546 548, 1996. 
 
10. 
Lasmezas CI, Fournier J-G, Nouvel V, et al: Adaptation of the bovine spongiform 
encephalopathy agent to primates and comparison with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: 
Implications for human health. Proc Natl Acd Sci U S A 98:4142 4147, 2001. 
 
11. 
Yamakawa Y, Hagiwara K, Nohtomi K, et al, for the Expert Commitee for BSE 
Diagnosis, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan: Atypical proteinase 
K-resistant prion protein (PrPres) observed in an apparently healthy 
23-month-old Holstein steer. Jpn J Infect Dis 56:221 222, 2003. 
 
12. 
Casalone C, Zanusso G, Acutis PL, et al: Identification of a novel molecular and 
neuropathological BSE phenotype in Italy: International Conference on Prion 
Disease: from basic research to intervention concepts. Gasreig, München, 8 10 
October, 2003. 
 
13. 
Biacabe AG, Laplanche JL, Ryder S, Baron T: A molecular variant of bovine 
spongiform encephalopathy. International Conference on Prion Disease: From basic 
research to intervention concepts. Gasreig, München, 8 10 October, 2003. 
 
14. 
De Becker D, Roels S, Vanopdenbosch E: BSE onderzoek: opsporen van PrPres door 
middel van de BIO-RAD Platelia BSE-kit. Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift 
69:382 384, 2000. 
 
15. 
Roels S, Demeyer G, Tedik K, et al: Variance of mass (volume) taken with the 
calibrated syringe and of the results provided by the Bio-Rad Platelia BSE test 
upon storage of brainstem samples at  20°C. Anim Res 51:493 499, 2002. 
 
16. 
Roels S, De Bosschere H, Saegerman C, et al: BSE and scrapie testing in Belgium: 
general overview. New Food: accepted, 2004. 
 
17. 
Vanopdenbosch E, Dechamps P, Dufey J, et al: Le premier cas d encephalopathie 
spongioforme bovine diagnostique en Belgique. Annales de Médicine Vétérinaire 
142:111 118, 1998. 
 
18. 
Collinge J, Sidle KCL, Meads J, et al: Molecular analysis of prion strain 
variation and the aetiology of new variant CJD. Nature 383:685 690, 1996. 
 
19. 
Hill AF, Desbruslais M, Joiner S, et al: The same prion strain causes vCJD and 
BSE. Nature 389:448 450, 1997. 
 
Figure 1. Photograph of the East-Flemish cattle breed or the Belgian 
white and red. 
 
Figure 2. Bovine Western blot (Bio-Rad, France) using antibodies 12F10 
and SAF60. MM, Magic mark; Atyp. BSE, Atypical BSE case (present case); Ref1, 
Reference 1 of a classical BSE case; Ref2, Reference 2 of a classical BSE case. 
The third band of the non-glycosylated PrPsc of the Atyp. BSE case (left 
rectangle) shows a markedly faster migration compared to the Ref1 and Ref2 cases 
(right rectangle). 
 
 
P.6.- Atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in an 
East-Flemish cow in Belgium.
 
H. 
De Bosschere1, S. Roels2, E. Vanopdenbosch3
 
1 
Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA / CERVA), National Reference 
Laboratory for Veterinary TSE (Belgium & Luxemburg) , Unit Pathology, 
Department of Biocontrol, Groeselenberg 99, B-1180 Brussels (Ukkel), Belgium, 
(hedeb@var.fgov.be)
 
2 
idem, (stroe@var.fgov.be)
 
3 
idem, (emvan@var.fgov.be)
 
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a prion disease with a fatal 
neurodegenerative pathogenesis. It is characterized by the accumulation of an 
abnormal protein (PrPres), formed posttranslationally from the normal isoform 
(PrPc). Research in mice showed the existence of different sheep scrapie 
strains. Scrapie strain discrimination is currently based upon biological typing 
in a panel of inbred mice. However, no large scale studies of the molecular 
features of PrPres have been reported for bovine BSE to date. Till now, the BSE 
strain seemed to maintain constant biological and molecular properties even 
after experimental or accidental passages into different species. Very recently, 
variant forms of BSE have been reported in Japan, Italy and France. These forms 
were characterized by atypical histopathological, immunohistochemical and/or 
biochemical phenotype compared to the classical BSE strain. The present case 
describes the first Belgian atypical BSE case. Since January 1st 2001, all 
cattle older than 30 months is tested for TSE via a rapid test following EC 
regulation 999/2001. Samples positive according to the ELISA screening are 
further subjected to scrapie associated fibrils (SAF), histopathology, 
immunohistochemistry and Western blot (WB) at the NRL. A positive ELISA sample 
from a 64 month-old East-Flemish or Belgian white and red cow was presented at 
the NRL for confirmation. The histopathology of the obex, pons and midbrain was 
negative, immunohistochemistry and SAF were also negative. However, WB analysis 
was positive with an electrophoretic profile different from that of a typical 
BSE case. The band on the gel of the non-glycosylated form of PrPres of the 
present case clearly showed a lower migratrion pattern compared to that of a 
typical BSE case. For many years it was assumed that there was only one BSE 
strain. Only very recently, reports of atypical BSE cases were announced in 
Japan, Italy and France. The Japanese case describes a very young bull (23 
months) negative on histopathology and immunohistochemistry and a WB 
electrophoretic profile different from that of classical BSE. The Italians 
observed two BSE affected cattle with a a different staining pattern on 
immunohistochemistry, a difference in size and glycoform ratio of PrPres on WB 
and a difference in regional distribution of lesions. The French two cases 
showed variant molecular features with a different electrophoretic profile from 
other BSE cases. The present case shows the most similarities with the Japanese 
case (except for the age). The fact that these strains were detected worldwide 
and in several breeds suggest that there is no local or breed dependent feature 
involved. It could be that the WB techniques have become more specifique within 
the last year or infection of cattle by scrapie could also be considered. In 
conclusion, continued research on BSE reveals nowadays different BSE strains in 
analogy with the different sheep scrapie strains. Atypical BSE cases may 
question the significance and efficiency of the BSE epidemio-surveillance 
protocol and the validation of the confirmatory tests.
 
Keywords
 
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE, Western Blot, atypical BSE
 
 
Report on the assessment of the Geographical BSE-risk of BELGIUM July 
2000
 
- 
42 -
 
5. 
CONCLUSION ON THE GEOGRAPHICAL BSE RISK
 
5.1 
The current GBR
 
The 
current geographical BSE-risk (GBR) level is III, i.e. BSE is confirmed in 
domestic cattle (last and only case in 1997) at a lower level. However, the 
observed incidence of clinical cases over the last 12 months (1 March 1999 to 29 
February 2000) was 2.7 per 1 Million adult cattle. This figure is generated by a 
passive surveillance system that is not able to identify all clinical 
cases.
 
5.2 
The expected development of the GBR
 
  
Assuming that measures in place continue to be appropriately implemented and no 
new external challenge occurs, the GBR is expected to decrease over time.   
However, this does not exclude that cattle infected by the BSE-agent in the past 
(before 1998/99) may be identified as clinical cases in the foreseeable 
future.
 
5.3 
Recommendations for influencing the future GBR
 
  
Good implementation of the bans should be ensured.
 
  
In addition, expanding the surveillance system to target asymptomatic cattle in 
risk sub-populations such as adult fallen stock and adult cattle presented for 
emergency slaughter will allow verification of the current GBR-assessment and 
monitoring its future trend.
 
 
 
 
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Infectious Disease Committee 
Manual 2013
 
BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY (BSE)
 
Little is known about atypical BSE. The origin and natural routes of 
transmission, if any, have yet to be determined. Almost all cases have been in 
older cattle (usually > 8 years of age) that have shown little resemblance to 
the clinic-pathological picture seen in classical disease. It has been suggested 
that the disease may be sporadic or be caused by a genetic mutation, but no 
convincing evidence has been found to support either of these ideas. The correct 
answer will probably only come by study of the future annual incidence curves of 
both types of disease. Regardless of the origin of atypical BSE, the possibility 
of recycling the disease in cattle and other ruminants, as well as the potential 
for transmission to humans, mandate a continuation of feed and specified-risk 
materials (SRM) bans, together with diagnostic testing programs for some time to 
come.
 
snip...
 
Naturally occurring cases of BSE in species other than cattle have been 
very limited and have been linked to exposure to contaminated feed or infected 
carcasses. The majority of cases originated in the UK and like BSE in cattle, 
have declined with the implementation of feed controls. None of the exotic 
animals were infected in the wild. 
 
Experts who may be consulted: Linda A. Detwiler, DVM Clinical Professor 
Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine
 
College of Veterinary Medicine Mississippi State University 732-580-9391 
Fax: 732-741-7751 ldetwiler@belle-terre.com
 
 
Published in : European Journal of Epidemiology (2006), vol. 21, pp. 
443-447
 
Status : Postprint (Author’s version)
 
Increased incidence of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the age 
groups between 70 and 90 years in Belgium
 
B. 
Van Everbroeck1, A. Michotte2, R. Sciot3, C. Godfraind4, M. Deprez5, S. 
Quoilin6, J.-J. Martin1 & P. Cras1 1Born-Bunge Institute (BBI), University 
of Antwerp (UA), Campus Drie Eiken (CDE), Antwerp, Belgium; 2Department of 
Neuropathology, Academic hospital, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, 
Belgium; 3Department of Pathology, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, 
Belgium; 4Pathology Laboratory, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, 
Belgium; 5Laboratory of Neuropathology, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, Liège, 
Belgium; 6Institute of Public Health-Louis Pasteur, Brussels, Belgium
 
Abstract
 
From 1998 a prospective surveillance study of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease 
(CJD) has been initiated in Belgium. In addition to epidemiological data, 
information on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, prion protein gene and brain 
neuropathology was collected. From 1-1-1998 to 31-12-2004, 188 patients were 
referred to the surveillance system. In 85 patients a 'definite' diagnosis of 
sporadic CJD (sCJD) could be made, whereas 26 patients remained 'probable'. We 
further identified two unrelated patients with an E200K mutation, and two 
patients with a seven octapeptide repeat insertion in one family. In one patient 
a familial history was noted but genetic analysis was not performed. In 72 
patients different final diagnoses were made, Alzheimer's disease being the most 
frequent (N = 20). The demographic parameters of the Belgian population were 
similar to those observed in the rest of Europe. We did notice a significantly 
increased age-specific incidence (>6/106/ year) of sCJD patients between 70 
and 90 years old in the period 2002-2004 compared to 1998-2001 and 
retrospectively obtained data (1990-1997, p < 0.01). We undertook a detailed 
clinical and biochemical analysis to investigate this increase but could not 
identify any reason other than an increased vigilance for the diagnosis. In 
conclusion, our study identified that in the past sCJD may have been 
underestimated in patients over age 70 although these patients are both 
clinically and neurobiochemically similar to the general sCJD phenotype.
 
Keywords : Diagnosis ; Epidemiology ; Prion disease ; Transmissible 
spongiform encephalopathy 
 
 
To 
date, 27 cases of L-BSE and 24 cases of H-BSE have been reported worldwide 
(16), thus meaning that the prevalence of atypical BSE is considerably lower 
than that of C-BSE. However, recent studies showed that L-BSE is easily 
transmissible to transgenic mice expressing human (17,18) or bovine (19,20) 
prion protein, as well as to non-human primates (21), with shorter incubation 
periods than for the transmission of C-BSE to these animals. 
 
***The virulent nature of L-BSE has stimulated new concern for human 
public health since the transmission of C-BSE to humans resulted in variant 
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) (4-7), a new emergent prion disease. 
 
 
***Infectivity in skeletal muscle of BASE-infected cattle 
 
***The present data offer novel information on the tropism of the BASE 
agent and highlight relevant public health issues. While the transmission 
barrier for classical BSE is high in most species, BASE prions are readily 
transmissible to a variety of mammals including non-human primates [11–13,35]. 
Accordingly, the possibility of spreading of BASE prions through skeletal muscle 
to other species should be taken into account and evaluated in risk analysis 
studies.
 
 
 
P.4.23
 
Transmission of atypical BSE in humanized mouse models
 
Liuting Qing1, Wenquan Zou1, Cristina Casalone2, Martin Groschup3, 
Miroslaw Polak4, Maria Caramelli2, Pierluigi Gambetti1, Juergen Richt5, 
Qingzhong Kong1 1Case Western Reserve University, USA; 2Instituto 
Zooprofilattico Sperimentale, Italy; 3Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Germany; 
4National Veterinary Research Institute, Poland; 5Kansas State University 
(Previously at USDA National Animal Disease Center), USA
 
Background: Classical BSE is a world-wide prion disease in cattle, and 
the classical BSE strain (BSE-C) has led to over 200 cases of clinical human 
infection (variant CJD). Atypical BSE cases have been discovered in three 
continents since 2004; they include the L-type (also named BASE), the H-type, 
and the first reported case of naturally occurring BSE with mutated bovine PRNP 
(termed BSE-M). The public health risks posed by atypical BSE were largely 
undefined.
 
Objectives: To investigate these atypical BSE types in terms of their 
transmissibility and phenotypes in humanized mice. Methods: Transgenic mice 
expressing human PrP were inoculated with several classical (C-type) and 
atypical (L-, H-, or Mtype) BSE isolates, and the transmission rate, incubation 
time, characteristics and distribution of PrPSc, symptoms, and histopathology 
were or will be examined and compared.
 
Results: Sixty percent of BASE-inoculated humanized mice became infected 
with minimal spongiosis and an average incubation time of 20-22 months, whereas 
only one of the C-type BSE-inoculated mice developed prion disease after more 
than 2 years. Protease-resistant PrPSc in BASE-infected humanized Tg mouse 
brains was biochemically different from bovine BASE or sCJD. PrPSc was also 
detected in the spleen of 22% of BASE-infected humanized mice, but not in those 
infected with sCJD. Secondary transmission of BASE in the humanized mice led to 
a small reduction in incubation time. The atypical BSE-H strain is also 
transmissible with distinct phenotypes in the humanized mice, but no BSE-M 
transmission has been observed so far.
 
Discussion: Our results demonstrate that BASE is more virulent than 
classical BSE, has a lymphotropic phenotype, and displays a modest transmission 
barrier in our humanized mice. BSE-H is also transmissible in our humanized Tg 
mice. The possibility of more than two atypical BSE strains will be 
discussed.
 
Supported by NINDS NS052319, NIA AG14359, and NIH AI 77774. 
 
 
2014 
 
***Moreover, L-BSE has been transmitted more easily to transgenic mice 
overexpressing a human PrP [13,14] or to primates [15,16] than C-BSE. 
 
***It has been suggested that some sporadic CJD subtypes in humans may 
result from an exposure to the L-BSE agent. 
 
*** 
Lending support to this hypothesis, pathological and biochemical similarities 
have been observed between L-BSE and an sCJD subtype (MV genotype at codon 129 
of PRNP) [17], and between L-BSE infected non-human primate and another sCJD 
subtype (MM genotype) [15]. 
 
snip... 
 
 
Monday, October 10, 2011 
 
EFSA Journal 2011 The European Response to BSE: A Success Story 
 
snip... 
 
EFSA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) 
recently delivered a scientific opinion on any possible epidemiological or 
molecular association between TSEs in animals and humans (EFSA Panel on 
Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) and ECDC, 2011). This opinion confirmed Classical 
BSE prions as the only TSE agents demonstrated to be zoonotic so far 
 
*** 
but the possibility that a small proportion of human cases so far classified as 
"sporadic" CJD are of zoonotic origin could not be excluded. 
 
*** 
Moreover, transmission experiments to non-human primates suggest that some TSE 
agents in addition to Classical BSE prions in cattle (namely L-type Atypical 
BSE, Classical BSE in sheep, transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) and chronic 
wasting disease (CWD) agents) might have zoonotic potential. 
 
snip... 
 
 
 
Thursday, August 12, 2010
 
Seven main threats for the future linked to prions
 
First threat
 
The 
TSE road map defining the evolution of European policy for protection against 
prion diseases is based on a certain numbers of hypotheses some of which may 
turn out to be erroneous. In particular, a form of BSE (called atypical Bovine 
Spongiform Encephalopathy), recently identified by systematic testing in aged 
cattle without clinical signs, may be the origin of classical BSE and thus 
potentially constitute a reservoir, which may be impossible to eradicate if a 
sporadic origin is confirmed. 
 
*** 
Also, a link is suspected between atypical BSE and some apparently sporadic 
cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. 
 
*** 
These atypical BSE cases constitute an unforeseen first threat that could 
sharply modify the European approach to prion diseases.
 
Second threat
 
snip... 
 
 
snip...see more here ;
 
Saturday, January 31, 2015 
 
RAPID ADVICE 17-2014 : Evaluation of the risk for public health of 
casings in countries with a “negligible risk status for BSE” and on the risk of 
modification of the list of specified risk materials (SRM) with regard to BSE 
 
 
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 
 
*** 
Evidence for zoonotic potential of ovine scrapie prions 
 
Hervé Cassard,1, n1 Juan-Maria Torres,2, n1 Caroline Lacroux,1, 
Jean-Yves Douet,1, Sylvie L. Benestad,3, Frédéric Lantier,4, Séverine Lugan,1, 
Isabelle Lantier,4, Pierrette Costes,1, Naima Aron,1, Fabienne Reine,5, Laetitia 
Herzog,5, Juan-Carlos Espinosa,2, Vincent Beringue5, & Olivier Andréoletti1, 
Affiliations Contributions Corresponding author Journal name: Nature 
Communications Volume: 5, Article number: 5821 DOI: doi:10.1038/ncomms6821 
Received 07 August 2014 Accepted 10 November 2014 Published 16 December 2014 
Article tools Citation Reprints Rights & permissions Article metrics 
 
Abstract 
 
Although Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is the cause of variant 
Creutzfeldt Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans, the zoonotic potential of scrapie 
prions remains unknown. Mice genetically engineered to overexpress the human 
prion protein (tgHu) have emerged as highly relevant models for gauging the 
capacity of prions to transmit to humans. These models can propagate human 
prions without any apparent transmission barrier and have been used used to 
confirm the zoonotic ability of BSE. Here we show that a panel of sheep scrapie 
prions transmit to several tgHu mice models with an efficiency comparable to 
that of cattle BSE. The serial transmission of different scrapie isolates in 
these mice led to the propagation of prions that are phenotypically identical to 
those causing sporadic CJD (sCJD) in humans. These results demonstrate that 
scrapie prions have a zoonotic potential and raise new questions about the 
possible link between animal and human prions.
 
Subject terms: Biological sciences• Medical research At a glance
 
 
why 
do we not want to do TSE transmission studies on chimpanzees $ 
 
5. 
A positive result from a chimpanzee challenged severly would likely create alarm 
in some circles even if the result could not be interpreted for man. I have a 
view that all these agents could be transmitted provided a large enough dose by 
appropriate routes was given and the animals kept long enough. Until the 
mechanisms of the species barrier are more clearly understood it might be best 
to retain that hypothesis. 
 
snip... 
 
R. 
BRADLEY 
 
 
FLASHBACK 2001
 
Suspect symptoms
 
What if you can catch old-fashioned CJD by eating meat from a sheep 
infected with scrapie?
 
28 
Mar 01 Most doctors believe that sCJD is caused by a prion protein deforming by 
chance into a killer. But Singeltary thinks otherwise. He is one of a number of 
campaigners who say that some sCJD, like the variant CJD related to BSE, is 
caused by eating meat from infected animals. Their suspicions have focused on 
sheep carrying scrapie, a BSE-like disease that is widespread in flocks across 
Europe and North America.
 
Now 
scientists in France have stumbled across new evidence that adds weight to the 
campaigners' fears. To their complete surprise, the researchers found that one 
strain of scrapie causes the same brain damage in mice as sCJD.
 
"This means we cannot rule out that at least some sCJD may be caused by 
some strains of scrapie," says team member Jean-Philippe Deslys of the French 
Atomic Energy Commission's medical research laboratory in Fontenay-aux-Roses, 
south-west of Paris. Hans Kretschmar of the University of Göttingen, who 
coordinates CJD surveillance in Germany, is so concerned by the findings that he 
now wants to trawl back through past sCJD cases to see if any might have been 
caused by eating infected mutton or lamb...
 
2001
 
Suspect symptoms 
 
What if you can catch old-fashioned CJD by eating meat from a sheep 
infected with scrapie? 
 
28 
Mar 01 
 
Like lambs to the slaughter 
 
31 
March 2001 
 
by 
Debora MacKenzie Magazine issue 2284. 
 
FOUR years ago, Terry Singeltary watched his mother die horribly from a 
degenerative brain disease. Doctors told him it was Alzheimer's, but Singeltary 
was suspicious. The diagnosis didn't fit her violent symptoms, and he demanded 
an autopsy. It showed she had died of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
 
Most doctors believe that sCJD is caused by a prion protein deforming by 
chance into a killer. But Singeltary thinks otherwise. He is one of a number of 
campaigners who say that some sCJD, like the variant CJD related to BSE, is 
caused by eating meat from infected animals. Their suspicions have focused on 
sheep carrying scrapie, a BSE-like disease that is widespread in flocks across 
Europe and North America.
 
Now 
scientists in France have stumbled across new evidence that adds weight to the 
campaigners' fears. To their complete surprise, the researchers found that one 
strain of scrapie causes the same brain damage in mice as sCJD.
 
"This means we cannot rule out that at least some sCJD may be caused by 
some strains of scrapie," says team member Jean-Philippe Deslys of the French 
Atomic Energy Commission's medical research laboratory in Fontenay-aux-Roses, 
south-west of Paris. Hans Kretschmar of the University of Göttingen, who 
coordinates CJD surveillance in Germany, is so concerned by the findings that he 
now wants to trawl back through past sCJD cases to see if any might have been 
caused by eating infected mutton or lamb.
 
Scrapie has been around for centuries and until now there has been no 
evidence that it poses a risk to human health. But if the French finding means 
that scrapie can cause sCJD in people, countries around the world may have 
overlooked a CJD crisis to rival that caused by BSE.
 
Deslys and colleagues were originally studying vCJD, not sCJD. They 
injected the brains of macaque monkeys with brain from BSE cattle, and from 
French and British vCJD patients. The brain damage and clinical symptoms in the 
monkeys were the same for all three. Mice injected with the original sets of 
brain tissue or with infected monkey brain also developed the same 
symptoms.
 
As 
a control experiment, the team also injected mice with brain tissue from people 
and animals with other prion diseases: a French case of sCJD; a French patient 
who caught sCJD from human-derived growth hormone; sheep with a French strain of 
scrapie; and mice carrying a prion derived from an American scrapie strain. As 
expected, they all affected the brain in a different way from BSE and vCJD. But 
while the American strain of scrapie caused different damage from sCJD, the 
French strain produced exactly the same pathology.
 
"The main evidence that scrapie does not affect humans has been 
epidemiology," says Moira Bruce of the neuropathogenesis unit of the Institute 
for Animal Health in Edinburgh, who was a member of the same team as Deslys. 
"You see about the same incidence of the disease everywhere, whether or not 
there are many sheep, and in countries such as New Zealand with no scrapie." In 
the only previous comparisons of sCJD and scrapie in mice, Bruce found they were 
dissimilar.
 
But 
there are more than 20 strains of scrapie, and six of sCJD. "You would not 
necessarily see a relationship between the two with epidemiology if only some 
strains affect only some people," says Deslys. Bruce is cautious about the mouse 
results, but agrees they require further investigation. Other trials of scrapie 
and sCJD in mice, she says, are in progress.
 
People can have three different genetic variations of the human prion 
protein, and each type of protein can fold up two different ways. Kretschmar has 
found that these six combinations correspond to six clinical types of sCJD: each 
type of normal prion produces a particular pathology when it spontaneously 
deforms to produce sCJD.
 
But 
if these proteins deform because of infection with a disease-causing prion, the 
relationship between pathology and prion type should be different, as it is in 
vCJD. "If we look at brain samples from sporadic CJD cases and find some that do 
not fit the pattern," says Kretschmar, "that could mean they were caused by 
infection."
 
There are 250 deaths per year from sCJD in the US, and a similar 
incidence elsewhere. Singeltary and other US activists think that some of these 
people died after eating contaminated meat or "nutritional" pills containing 
dried animal brain. Governments will have a hard time facing activists like 
Singeltary if it turns out that some sCJD isn't as spontaneous as doctors have 
insisted.
 
Deslys's work on macaques also provides further proof that the human 
disease vCJD is caused by BSE. And the experiments showed that vCJD is much more 
virulent to primates than BSE, even when injected into the bloodstream rather 
than the brain. This, says Deslys, means that there is an even bigger risk than 
we thought that vCJD can be passed from one patient to another through 
contaminated blood transfusions and surgical instruments.
 
 
Friday, January 30, 2015
 
*** 
Scrapie: a particularly persistent pathogen ***
 
 
Tuesday, February 17, 2015 
 
***Could we spot the next BSE?, asks BVA President 
 
 
Saturday, February 14, 2015 
 
*** Canadian Food Inspection Agency Confirms Bovine Spongiform 
Encephalopathy (BSE) in Alberta 
 
 
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 
 
*** Alberta Canada First case of chronic wasting disease found in farm elk 
since 2002 
 
 
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 
 
NASDA BSE, CWD, SCRAPIE, TSE, PRION, Policy Statements updated with 
amendments passed during the NASDA Annual Meeting Updated September 18, 2014 
 
 
Sunday, December 28, 2014 
 
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD TSE PRION DISEASE AKA MAD DEER DISIEASE USDA 
USAHA INC DECEMBER 28, 2014 
 
 
 
Subject: *** Becky Lockhart 46, Utah’s first female House speaker, dies 
diagnosed with the extremely rare Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease aka mad cow type 
disease
 
what is CJD ? just ask USDA inc., and the OIE, they are still feeding 
the public and the media industry fed junk science that is 30 years old. 
 
why 
doesn’t some of you try reading the facts, instead of rubber stamping everything 
the USDA inc says.
 
sporadic CJD has now been linked to BSE aka mad cow disease, Scrapie, 
and there is much concern now for CWD and risk factor for humans. 
 
My 
sincere condolences to the family and friends of the House Speaker Becky 
Lockhart. I am deeply saddened hear this. 
 
with that said, with great respect, I must ask each and every one of you 
Politicians that are so deeply saddened to hear of this needless death of the 
Honorable House Speaker Becky Lockhart, really, cry me a friggen river. I am 
seriously going to ask you all this...I have been diplomatic for about 17 years 
and it has got no where. people are still dying. so, are you all stupid or 
what??? how many more need to die ??? how much is global trade of beef and other 
meat products that are not tested for the TSE prion disease, how much and how 
many bodies is this market worth?
 
Saturday, January 17, 2015 
 
*** 
Becky Lockhart 46, Utah’s first female House speaker, dies diagnosed with the 
extremely rare Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
 
 
Thursday, January 15, 2015 
 
41-year-old Navy Commander with sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease CJD 
TSE Prion: Case Report 
 
 
*** 
HUMAN MAD COW DISEASE nvCJD TEXAS CASE NOT LINKED TO EUROPEAN TRAVEL CDC 
***
 
Sunday, November 23, 2014 
 
*** 
Confirmed Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (variant CJD) Case in Texas in June 
2014 confirmed as USA case NOT European 
 
the 
patient had resided in Kuwait, Russia and Lebanon. The completed investigation 
did not support the patient's having had extended travel to European countries, 
including the United Kingdom, or travel to Saudi Arabia. The specific overseas 
country where this patient’s infection occurred is less clear largely because 
the investigation did not definitely link him to a country where other known 
vCJD cases likely had been infected. 
 
 
Sunday, December 14, 2014 
 
ALERT new variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease nvCJD or vCJD, sporadic CJD 
strains, TSE prion aka Mad Cow Disease United States of America Update December 
14, 2014 Report
 
 
Sunday, February 08, 2015 
 
FDA 
SCIENCE BOARD TO THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION BOVINE HEPARIN BSE CJD TSE 
PRION Wednesday, June 4, 2014
 
 
Thursday, January 22, 2015 
 
Transmission properties of atypical Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: a clue to 
disease etiology?
 
 
Saturday, December 13, 2014 
 
Terry S. Singeltary Sr. Publications TSE prion disease 
 
Diagnosis and Reporting of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease 
 
Singeltary, Sr et al. JAMA.2001; 285: 733-734. Vol. 285 No. 6, February 
14, 2001 JAMA
 
snip...
 
 
 
 
TSS