Abstract
Although, the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk of most countries in Europe has been assessed and they have implemented both measures to control BSE and extensive surveillance systems, complete and valid data is still not consistently available. Globally, data is largely unavailable. Assessments based on incomplete or invalid information could lead to false conclusions. The BSE risk of countries throughout the world must continue to be assessed, and improvements in collection of surveillance data must be made, both in countries already reporting BSE cases and worldwide, in order to evaluate the global BSE picture and assure that cattle and products can be safely traded.