1. INTRODUCTION
Results from the BSE Pathogenesis Experiment being carried out by the Central Veterinary Laboratory have indicated the presence of infectivity in some tissues closely related to the spinal cord, but which would not formally be defined as SBM in the United Kingdom. These tissues are the dorsal root ganglia, which would probably remain attached to the vertebral column after the spinal cord is removed, and may therefore be included in meat for human consumption. SEAC have requested that a formal risk assessment be carried out to determine the level of risk to people due to the possibility that there could be infectivity in these tissues from cattle under the age of 30 months.
Det Norske Veritas have carried out a series of studies for the Environment Agency to assess the risk from BSE infectivity through environmental pathways. As a result of this experience, DNV were requested by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to undertake this study. This study has used a similar approach to the previous risk assessments carried out, and draws on the information and knowledge obtained.
The Objective of this study to quantify the risks to people from the consumption of beef products due the possible contamination with infectivity contained in the dorsal root ganglia of cattle with BSE infectivity when they are slaughtered.