The standard test for BSE agent involves contaminating live mice and waiting several months to examine brain tissue samples. A new test, which could take less than a day, has been developed to proof-of-principle stage.
Evidence from:
JP Deslys, et al. Nature. (2001) Vol. 409 6819, p 476-7
A cheap accurate test could enable rapid testing of cattle nearing slaughter. More work is needed before this test permits case by case decision-making for individual cattle.
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