Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs)

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases are a family of rare progressive neurodegenerative brain disorders that affect both humans and animals. They have long incubation periods, progress rapidly once symptoms develop and are always fatal.

TSEs are believed to be caused by prions, abnormally folded proteins, that build up in the brain causing brain damage and the characteristic symptoms associated with the disease.

• Human TSEs
  Information about human TSEs including: classic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, fatal familial insomnia, and kuru.
  
  
• Animal TSEs
  Information about animal TSEs including: bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or "mad cow” disease), chronic wasting disease (CWD), scrapie, transmissible mink encephalopathy, feline spongiform encephalopathy, and ungulate spongiform encephalopathy.
  
  
• For Health Professionals
  Information about reporting of cases by health care providers, national surveillance, autopsy coordination services and infection control precautions.