TSE surveillance

TSEs (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies), or prion diseases, are a group of rare brain diseases that are progressive and lead to neurological signs and death. Prion diseases have been described in humans, cattle, sheep, goats, deer and other mammals and there is no vaccination or treatment for them.

Australia is currently free from TSEs, including BSE in cattle (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy or 'Mad cow disease') and scrapie in sheep and goats.

The National TSE Freedom Assurance Program (NTSEFAP) has been developed to:

• prevent TSE entrance into Australia;
• increase our levels of surveillance for TSEs;
• reduce/eliminate the risk of spread among animals, and between animals and people, should a TSE occur in Australia;
• increase public awareness and understanding of TSEs and the importance of surveillance measures.

The preventative and surveillance strategies included in the NTSEFAP help to prove that Australia is TSE free and as a result boost our export opportunities.