Key measures taken by the UK and the EU for the control of BSE were reviewed with emphasis on the measures taken for meat and bone meals (MBM) and surveillance of BSE prior to the appearance of BSE in Japan.
Since 2001 Japan has reported 36 cases of BSE including 3 atypical cases of BSE. The first exposure occurred between 1995 and 1996, and 13 cases of BSE were detected by rapid tests. The second exposure occurred in Hokkaido, the northern most island, where contaminated MBM was manufactured and distributed. In total, 18 cases have been reported. There were 5 other cases including atypical cases.
The majority of consumers in Japan still believe that rapid test for BSE is the key measures to assure the safety of beef, and this needs to be corrected in due course. Country status of BSE of infected countries, the number of vCJD found in the world and the problems of atypical BSE cases are briefly summarized.