Exchange: Economic Impacts
The BSE outbreak left longstanding changes on the global trade of beef. Even after the threat was felt to have passed, effects from restrictions and new cases in other countries carried on throughout the 1990s, and into the 21st century.
As time progressed, over 200,000 cases of mad cow disease have been confirmed in over 20 countries since the late 1980's. Most of these took place in Europe, while North America was considered BSE-free until 2003, where a small outbreak caused a scare in consumers. This then lead to over 15 countries, including Japan and Mexico to impose trade bans against the U.S.
During 2004–07, BSE-related restrictions were a major barrier to U.S. beef exports; these restrictions cost the U.S. beef industry $1.5–2.7 billion in lost revenue annually. A loss in annual export sales ranging from $3.1 billion in 2004 to $2.5 billion in 2007 was offset in part by additional sales in the domestic market. Annual losses were greatest in 2004 and have since declined, as some countries have eased restrictions and U.S. exporters have developed alternative markets (albeit at lower prices). (USITC)
Medicine, Science, and Prions
For years, researchers have been trying to spread Alzheimer's disease like a prion- just recently, it has been shown to be possible under the right circumstances. Several brains were recently found to have Alzheimer's, as well as CJD, and the source was human growth hormone (Abbot). Although classic CJD is different from vCJD, vCJD shares a resemblance to Alzheimer's in that they both have plaque buildup. The fact that it is a neurodegenerative disease similar to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease has opened many doors into the exploration of cures for these more widespread diseases is tantalizing. With BSE and vCJD, cures may become a reality in the future.