DATE=12/22/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-270738

TITLE=W-H-O / MAD COW (L-ONLY)

BYLINE=LISA SCHLEIN

DATELINE=GENEVA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The World Health Organization warns there is a risk that "mad cow disease" and its human variant, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, could spread beyond the borders of the European Union. Experts at W-H-O headquarters are urging countries around the world to take steps to ensure the cattle feed they import is free of infectious material. More now from Lisa Schlein in Geneva.

TEXT: The experts say mathematical projections about the possible spread of "mad cow" and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease - C-J-D - are alarming. To reduce the risk of infection, they say, it is important to review scientific evidence to learn how the diseases are transmitted to animals and humans. Until now, the focus of concern has been in countries in Western Europe. But W-H-O official Maura Ricketts says fear is growing that the disease may spread around the world.

/// 1ST RICKETTS ACT ///

We are concerned because we are certain that there was international movement of materials that could have contained (infections). And we are concerned because we know that some of the countries that received this material do not have the surveillance systems inside those countries to detect disease in cattle populations, or in human populations. And we feel that they must find out for themselves and for us, for everyone, whether or not they are at risk.

/// END ACT ///

"Mad cow" disease was first discovered in cattle in the United Kingdom in 1986. Germany and Spain reported their first cases last month. Cases of C-J-D, the human variant of the disease, are relatively rare, but always fatal - with 87 deaths reported in Britain, three in France and one in Ireland.

Scientists still don't know how humans get infected. Dr. Ricketts says people have to be vigilant because symptoms of Creutzfeld-Jakob disease can take a long time to manifest themselves.

/// 2ND RICKETTS ACT ///

Because of the long incubation period and because we do not know how much this agent will take to kill a human being, we cannot be complacent about this disease. But we can still apply appropriate quantities of resources to it. I think also you need to remember that if this agent is introduced into a country, the economic impact to the country is enormous. And this itself causes terrible harm.

/// END ACT ///

The United Kingdom reportedly spent seven-and-one-half billion U-S dollars between 1986 and 1996 to bring "mad cow disease" under control. If the disease were to hit developing countries, Dr. Ricketts says, it would devastate their economies. (Signed)

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