I think we should do what Japan is doing, and just test all cattle when they are slaughtered. It's not that expensive, and it will end this problem before it have has a chance to grow big enough to cost a lot of money to eradicate.
Snow ... Totally agree with your comments.
Given that the cows can have the disease for several years before the symptoms are obvious, how else can the beef industry be safe enough for us to eat beef?
It is a tragic disease and if in three or four years or more many people show symptoms of BSE (entirely feasible) we are in a heap of trouble.