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Dept of Health

Answer

Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research the Government are funding into the possibility of vCJD infection by means other than the consumption of beef. [144372] Yvette Cooper: [holding answer 8 January 2001]: The Government rely on the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) for advice on matters concerning BSE and variant Creutzfeld Jakob Disease (vCJD). SEAC has concluded that BSE and vCJD are caused by prion strains that are currently indistinguishable, and considers vCJD to be an acquired prion disease caused by exposure to BSE or a BSE-like agent. The Government are prepared to consider the funding of any proposals for research into possible explanations for BSE and vCJD, which should be submitted for consideration through the normal channels. Experiments are currently under way to look further into the theoretical possibility of transmission of vCJD via surgical instruments, or via blood. A hypothesis that BSE might be caused by an abnormal immune response is also being investigated. In addition, the Department of Health- funded National CJD Surveillance Unit follows up medical, immunological, occupational and residential histories of vCJD patients, as well as their dietary habits, on an ongoing basis to identify any common factors. The results are published in the unit's annual report.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

360 c532W; 144372

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Animal products Blood Finance Disease control Grants Medical devices Safety Research BSE Beef CJD Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee Transmissible encephalopathies

Link

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