Detection of prion protein in fish (mad cow disease)

How likely are transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in fish?

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders in man and animal associated with the conformational conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into a pathologic isoform (PrPSc). Recently we have identified cDNAs coding for prion proteins in Atlantic salmon and Japanese pufferfish. It can be expected that PrP genes are present in most if not all fish species. Fish therefore fulfil the general precondition to develop a prion disease. Here, we summarise the present knowledge on prion proteins in fish. We inquire to what extent fish may have received potentially BSE agent contaminated animal meal in their diets and still potentially do. We discuss the chances of fish contracting a TSE by uptake of BSE agent and the potential risks associated with the use of fish for animal feed and human consumption.

^{https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289971690_Detection_of_prion_protein_in_fish_-_How_likely_are_transmissible_spongiform_encephalopathies_in_fish}