BERLIN-Researchers in Germany are investigating a possible new source behind bovine spongiform encephalopathy and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.
The disease has long been believed to be spread by feeding cattle the meat and bone meal from dead infected cattle. However, officials are now looking at fat produced from carcasses used to supplement milk fed to calves.
Germany banned the feeding of meat and bone meal to cattle in 1995, but allowed the use for pigs and poultry. They also allowed calves to have dietary supplements which was a low-cost substitute for the richer fat in cows' milk, that was removed to make butter.
Although this theory is not proven, officials across the continent are agreeing that the practice of feeding carcass byproducts to grass-eating animals is unsafe. With more than 91 people dead from the human variant of Mad Cow Disease, researchers are scrambling for answers.
Widespread testing of cattle across Europe is in effect. Two new cases were reported in both Spain and Germany this week.
The origin, mechanism, and trasmission of both diseases are unknown. Researchers say humans acquire Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease from eating meat tainted with the prion proteins of an infected animal. Estimates of those who could contract the disease in Europe vary from hundreds to tens of thousands.
Information from www.washingtonpost.com
Dear Helpdesk: Working in a Toxic Health Care Environment
March 28th 2024Dear Helpdesk is your steadfast companion, offering life coaching and workplace advice from 2 seasoned IPs for some of your most challenging real-life situations. Let us help you navigate the intersection between work and life, guiding you to navigate the dynamic world of infection prevention with confidence and grace. This article is on handling a toxic health care environment.
Product Locator: Spring and Early Mother's Day Gift Guide for Infection Prevention Personnel
March 27th 2024Whether it's a spring holiday, birthdays, or no reason at all, infection prevention personnel love to give and receive gifts that help at the end of a stressful day. Infection Control Today® offers some gift ideas for infection prevention personnel and their families.
Catching Up With Vangie Dennis, AORN 2022-2023 President at AORN 2024
March 26th 2024Infection Control Today (ICT) had the privilege of catching up with Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses' (AORN’s) International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024. As the former president of AORN and an esteemed figure in perioperative services, Vangie Dennis shared insights into her recent endeavors and the exciting new chapter she's embarked upon.
How To Optimize Your Time Management Strategies for the Busy Infection Preventionist
March 25th 2024Is your calendar resembling a chaotic masterpiece of overlapping tasks? Join the club of infection preventionists striving to balance responsibilities. Dive into proven strategies from a fellow infection preventionist to reclaim control of your time, streamline tasks, and boost productivity effectively. This is an IP Lifeline article.