Scientists find new BSE links

London - Scientists are to re-examine controls against variant CJD, the deadly human form of BSE, in the wake of evidence that…

London - Scientists are to re-examine controls against variant CJD, the deadly human form of BSE, in the wake of evidence that the disease might be highly infectious even when unwitting carriers do not display outward signs of suffering from the condition.

New research has raised fears that animals thought to be healthy and incapable of acquiring BSE could in theory pass the disease on. The results have also renewed concerns that humans not displaying CJD symptoms but incubating the condition may infect others undergoing medical or dental procedures.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter