Volume 3: The Early Years, 1986-88
1. The identification of a new disease in cattle
Introduction

1.1 BSE posed novel and serious problems in relation to both animal and human health. As with other new and serious animal diseases, it was important that its emergence should be identified as soon as possible. In this chapter we consider the system that existed for the identification of new animal diseases and the manner in which it led to the identification of BSE. We examine whether there was any inadequacy of response on the part of those involved in operating the surveillance system.