THE human cost of the mad cow disease epidemic in the UK a decade ago remains uncertain. At one time it was feared millions might be at risk after eating beef from cattle with the disease, but so far fewer than 200 people have developed vCJD, the human form of BSE. Now tests on 13,000 preserved tonsil samples suggest the toll could rise to around 4000.
But the estimate is little more than a guess, based on just three samples that tested positive for the prion protein that causes vCJD. Of the three positives, two were doubtful. And even…
