Many people have, rightly, looked to the scientific community for guidance about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)and its possible connection with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. A number of factors make studies on SEs difficult and time-consuming. Nevertheless, considerable progress has been achieved, by the efforts of research teams in Europe and North America, in defining the molecular nature of the causative agents and in identifying genetic factors that influence susceptibility to SEs. The statement outlines current knowledge and recommends future areas of research.
