Bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Italian herds
Caramelli, M.; Acutis, P.; Bozzetta, E.; Casalone, C.; Gagna, C.; Ru, G.
Veterinary Record 153(23): 711-712
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 14690075 Document Number: 560397
The following article provides preliminary information on the descriptive epidemiology and neuropathology of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Italy. In January 2001, a network of 18 state laboratories was set up to carry out the rapid immunoblotting test for the detection of PrP on all animals over 30 months of age. All animals tested had been slaughtered or came from fallen stock. A database of all the Italian testing is maintained by the National Reference Centre. The Italian BSE cases studied resembled those described in other European countries in terms of neuropathology and epidemiology. The main difference between cases was observed in terms of reported clinical presentation. It is not clear if, unlike in other countries, the Italian cases were characterized mostly by mild and unspecific signs or if there was a problem in the recognition and reporting of BSE-consistent signs. With the exception of 2 cases, the severe pathological patterns observed suggest that the animals were in a late stage of disease. However, the relationship between neuropathology and the clinical progression of disease needs further investigation.