Learning the Lessons of the BSE Crisis

摘要: By any standard, the BSE crisis was a most difficult period in public health of UK. This saw previously unknown TSE emerge cattle and then transmit to humans, scenario which by August 2009 had cost 164 people their lives UK has resulted an number other incubating variant CJD (vCJD). The economic damage caused this disease been considerable. In April 2000, government estimated that end 2001/2002 financial year, total net Exchequer would be £3.7 billion (BSE Inquiry Report, Volume 10: 1). Less quantifiable consequences have also stemmed from crisis. Chief amongst them significant public’s ability trust pronouncements on matters food safety risk. scientific community suffered inestimable its expertise capacity provide objective, consistent advice public. With such serious emanating affair, it is incumbent all those who were involved tragic episode reflect events took place consider how things could done better. Such reflective exercise has, course, conducted Lord Phillips his inquiry team examined during epidemic drew wide-ranging set lessons these events. A purpose central motivation current chapter. However, focus reflection – reasoning contexts uncertainty altogether narrower than undertaken into BSE. Moreover, question omitted Phillips’ overlooked within vast literature written topic both before after conducted.