Scientists propose field trials for evaluating new rapid BSE tests

Brussels, 28 February 2002

The Scientific Steering Committee (SSC), advising the European Commission inter alia on BSE related issues, has today published an opinion outlining a set-up for field trials for new rapid BSE tests.

The objective of the field trails is to compare the new rapid BSE tests under field conditions (e.g. in different laboratories in different countries etc.) against currently used and authorised tests. They will be therefore tried out on a selected number of samples analysed as part of the current systematic routine testing at slaughter and on a selected number of known positive samples.

The number of analyses to be carried out is based on statistical and practical considerations (e.g. limited number of available BSE positive specimens). The Institute for Reference Materials and Methods will subsequently analyse all data resulting from the trial.

Midday Express

http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/mi dday.htm