Genetically modified mice may be used to detect BSE contamination in meat.

American scientists say they have bred mice that will react more quickly to the BSE agent.

Currently very little is known about how BSE develops in cattle and how long it takes to become dangerous.

But researchers in San Francisco, California, say they have genetically engineered a new breed of mice that can be used to test for far lower levels of BSE than ever before.

Dr Stephen DeArmond: Researching the BSE agent

For the first time scientists will be able to test meat for BSE. This will show whether anti-BSE measures already in place, such as those in Britain which ensure that only beef under 30-months-old is sold for human consumption, are too cautious or not cautious enough.

Dr Stephen DeArmond, a pathologist at the University of California, said: "What we'd like to know is how early does a cow destined to get BSE get the disease and how early do they have a high enough level of infectivity to affect a person."

The discoveries in San Francisco could also help scientists learn more about how people have become infected.
 

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