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Background The identification in 2000 of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in native-born cattle in European countries previously thought to be free of the disease has led to increased concern about the extent of the BSE epidemic and raised questions about the possible risks for public health. The concern extends beyond Europe, partly as a result of uncertainty about risks that may result from past international trade of cattle and cattle products from BSE-affected countries. On 21 December 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) organised a joint informal meeting between representatives from the WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) and twelve consultants. Representatives from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the European Commission (EC) also participated. The participants at this meeting concluded that while there were no breakthroughs in the scientific understanding of BSE and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), there is a much greater awareness of the issues involved. These widespread concerns have resulted in demands from countries for science-based and independent advice to create reliable policy for public health. It was recognised, as a principle, that the fundamental measures for the protection of public health would have to include measures to protect animal health, as well as measures applicable to international trade. Hence, it was determined that the three organisations would hold a ‘Joint Technical Consultation on BSE: public health, animal health and trade’ at the OIE Headquarters in Paris (France) from 11 to 14 June 2001. Objectives The principal goal of the Consultation was to provide more quality information to Member Countries, especially for those that do not have experience of BSE and vCJD. This would enable national authorities to determine the actions necessary within their own borders to avoid or reduce risk to human and animal populations, and to export trade. Furthermore, it is important from the international perspective that countries should not export materials that could be contaminated with the BSE agent. A secondary goal of the Consultation was to provide a forum for the review of some of the most compelling problems in international BSE control, namely: detection, prevention and elimination of the disease, coupled with appropriate risk management. The OIE website offers the complete conference report, including conclusions and recommendations. The book can be purchased through the OIE Publications department.
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