Council Conclusions of 18 June 1996 on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies Official Journal C 194 , 05/07/1996 P. 0001 - 0001 COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS of 18 June 1996 on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (96/C 194/01) The Council of Ministers for Health expresses its satisfaction that the issue of TSEs (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies), which constitutes a problem in the field of public health, has been brought to its attention, in order to discuss the appropriate measures aimed at protecting public health, which must in all cases be a top priority. In welcoming the working document of the Commission services, the Council would recall that Health Ministers already discussed this problem at the Council meeting on 30 March 1994 during the Greek Presidency, at the request of the German Government.
The Council, taking into account the best available scientific data, and on the basis of the fundamental need for precaution, considers it necessary that all appropriate measures be taken to eliminate the risk of possible transmission of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy). To that end, it recommends the following measures: - implementation of mechanisms to monitor the scientific evidence relating to the causes and transmission of CJD (Creutzfeld-Jacob disease) so that the appropriate public health protection measures to be adopted can be determined in a timely manner, - entrusting, as an essential and urgent measure, the multidisciplinary scientific committee, for which provision was already made in the conclusions of the Council of Ministers for Agriculture of 29 April 1996, with the launching of its activities for the purpose of giving scientific advice to the Commission and making recommendations on matters of Community competence, in particular suggestions relating to specific policies to combat TSEs, - extension to all Member States of the epidemiological surveillance of CJD using the same methods as have been applied in five Member States, - encouragement of exchanges between Member States of experience and expertise in the areas of control and diagnosis of cases, - further studies and research into TSEs, including CJD.
This issue is to remain before the Council on a continuing basis for further consideration.