The ACDP and Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) TSE Joint Working Group was uncoupled in 2004. This followed SEAC's quinquenial review in which it was decided to uncouple the TSE JWG, to allow SEAC to focus on providing risk assessment advice to Government and ACDP on risk management. As the TSE JWG's work was primarily risk management, it was decided that it should become a working group of ADCP, keeping the existing membership of the JWG. Under the continuing chairmanship of Professor Don Jeffries the new TSE WG undertook to continue the work of the JWG.

The ACDP TSE WG terms of reference were revised in 2004 to reflect the decoupling of the Group from SEAC. The terms of reference were amended to:

"To provide practical, scientifically based advice on the management of risks from transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), in order to limit or reduce the risks of human exposure to or transmission of TSEs in healthcare and other occupational settings. To provide advice to ACDP, SEAC and Government Departments, as requested, and to handle issues referred by those bodies, taking into account the work of other relevant bodies."

The Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) is a non-statutory advisory non-Departmental Public Body, with Terms of Reference as follows:

"To advise the Health and Safety Commission, the Health and Safety Executive, Health and Agriculture Ministers and their counterparts under devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as required, on all aspects of hazards and risks to workers and others from exposure to pathogens".

ACDP Annual Reports, which include the key issues discussed by the TSE Working Group are available from 2004 onwards on the Health And Safety Executive website.

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copyright: © | published: 13 October, 2006