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

1.34 In April 1985 a private veterinarian, Mr Colin Whitaker, was called to Plurenden Manor Farm in Kent, to look at a Friesian/Holstein cow that was showing symptoms including a change in behaviour, aggression and a lack of coordination. Over the following year Mr Whitaker continued to be called to the farm to treat cattle that had suffered changes in character and behaviour. In particular, the cattle became nervous, aggressive and progressively incoordinated until unable to rise without assistance. ¹ Mr Whitaker consulted Veterinary Officer Mr Carl Johnson of the Wye VIC in November 1986.

1.35 Mr Johnson referred the brains of three animals to the CVL in November and December 1986. ² He wrote a note to the Pathology Department at the CVL with some background information on the herd. This stated: '5 cows destroyed in last 2 years with similar symptoms.' ³ Mr Wells conducted histopathological examinations of these brains, and discovered that they had a common novel pathology - 'multifocal spongy transformation of the brain parancyma and a degeneration of neurons, principally large neurons, in the brain stem.' ⁴ Mr Wells felt that these 'features were consistent with the clinical neurological signs observed in the animals'. Compared with most other animal disorders the changes most closely related to scrapie, but there were subtle differences, ⁵ and it was not possible to rule out other degenerative conditions, or entirely to discount metabolic or toxic causes. ⁶

1.36 The CVL also received brain samples from a cow that was referred by Langford VIC, Bristol, on 11 December 1986. ⁷ Dr Jeffrey conducted the histological examination of these brain samples. His diagnosis stated: 'Mild brainstem spongiform change with neuronal vacuolation.' ⁸

1.37 The initial communication from the Pathology Department to others at the CVL, and thence to MAFF more widely, of the possibility that a TSE had been identified in cattle is largely undocumented. On 19 December 1986, the departmental head, Mr Bradley, sent a minute to his colleagues at the CVL, Dr William Watson (the Director) and Dr Brian Shreeve (Director of Research), informing them of similar cases submitted from the Bristol and the Wye VICs. He commented:

The reasons for the interest are that the lesions observed have similarities to spongiform encephalopathies of other species and in particular scrapie of sheep.

The observations so far made can only lead to a morphological diagnosis. VIOs [Veterinary Investigation Officers] are I understand collecting significant epidemiological data re contact with sheep, whether the animals are genetically related and whether or not they are indigenous.

I would advise keeping an open mind about the aetiology until we have more information. The principal lesions are degenerative and non-specific.

If the disease turned out to be bovine scrapie it would have severe repercussions to the export trade and possibly also for humans if for example it was discovered that humans with spongiform encephalopathies had close association with the cattle. It is for these reasons I have classified this document confidential.

From the little data I have available I would not wish to speculate beyond stating that the sudden occurrence in several adult cows in one herd perhaps points more to a recent exposure to some toxic agent than to a slow infection. Nevertheless an open mind should be kept. At present I would recommend playing it low key because a simple explanation may be forthcoming as a result of current investigations which will allay fears.

You may also find the information valuable for defence of the CVL in a political sense. ⁹

1.38 Although the memory of some witnesses put the relevant date a little earlier, we think that it must have been after this minute that news spread of the possible emergence of a new TSE in cattle. Dr Watson (Director of the CVL) informed Mr William Rees (the Chief Veterinary Officer) by telephone. ¹⁰ Mr Kevin Taylor (Veterinary Head of MAFF's Notifiable Diseases Section) then met Mr Rees 'walking down the passage with steam coming out of his ears'. It seems that the scientists at CVL had demonstrated a degree of self-congratulation in having identified the new disease which struck no chord with Mr Rees, who could see all too well its wider implications. ¹¹

1.39 Six months later, when providing Dr Watson with material for a submission to Ministers, Mr Bradley included the observation:

At present BSE is regarded as a major discovery to the cattle industry that will when reported bring deserved prestige to MAFF, ADAS, the CVL and the workers involved. ¹²

1.40 This was perhaps optimistic. Nonetheless the Pathology Department of the CVL deserves credit for identifying the new disease when it did and noting its similarity to scrapie. We will consider in the next chapter why it was that, six months later, Mr Bradley was still looking forward to the date when it would be 'reported'.