Front Page UK World Business Sci/Tech Sport Despatches World News in Audio On Air Talking Point Feedback Low Graphics Help Site Map			Tuesday, March 24, 1998 Published at 14:12 GMT Special Report Scientists became aware of the sponge-like nature of the disease in 1986 BSE: a cattle killer More than 100,000 cattle have died in the UK as a result of BSE, a neuroligical disease which scientists only became aware of in 1986. Scientists confirmed the existence of BSE in 1986 BSE: a national crisis Hundreds of thousands of cattle have died or been culled, but Britain is still fighting for a worldwide export ban on British beef to be lifted. Beef on the bone banned by the government Government battles for British beef The UK Government is continuing its battle to get a European Union ban on beef exports lifted. Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage ©