Experimental data confirmed that the “marker” for BSE (the disease-associated prion protein) in the central nervous system of cattle becomes detectable during the last quarter of the BSE incubation period in the animal, before the disease becomes clinically manifest. In applying this prediction model on the likely natural exposure of cattle (rather than artificial laboratory experiments), the BSE “marker” would either not be detectable or would still be absent in the vertebral column in cattle up to and including the age of 33 months.  However, the interpretation of such experimental data needs to take into account the exceptional detection of BSE infection in animals younger than 33 months in EU cohorts born after 2000, and the fact that failure to detect the BSE “marker” does not guarantee absence of infectivity in a tissue[4].

The Panel also noted that the BSE epidemic is in decline[5], and is likely to continue to decrease further, in the different EU Member States. However, the Panel also recommended that there is good reason to consider the risk level of each Member State separately or consider groups with similar characteristics because of differences at the start of various control measures and surveillance between EU member states, as well as differences in the country specific level of exposure.

It is for the European Commission and risk managers in Member States to decide whether any modifications to current controls are warranted, informed by EFSA’s opinion.