Review on prion diseases in animals with emphasis to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

Prion diseases are known as Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE).These are degenerative brain disorders characterized by tiny microscopic holes that give the brain 'spongy' appearance.The causative agent is proteinaceous infective particle called prion.Prion diseases affect a variety of mammals including humans.The disease is transmitted by contaminated food or feed containing prion protein.In animals the diseases caused by prions are Scrapie, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy (TME), Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), Feline Spongiform Encephalopathy (FSE) and exotic Engulate Encephalopathy (EUE).Currently the only reliable test is histo-pathological examination of tissues.Control measures are surveillance, culling sick animals and banning specified risk materials.In India no case of BSE has been reported so far but the disease warrants constant monitoring and surveillance if once introduced or imported would be a herculean task to eradicate it.