ABSTRACT
It is PrioNet's vision to build a network that shapes and sustains prion research in Canada, translating basic science into accessible socioeconomic benefits for global betterment. PrioNet's research is developing surveillance measures, diagnostic tools, vaccines, and potential therapies and determining the various impacts of prion diseases on people. PrioNet seeks to integrate scientifically informed risk management strategies and to use this knowledge to address ongoing problems posed by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), the gathering crisis of chronic wasting disease (CWD), emerging issues of human prion disease, and basic scientific understanding of the nature of prions. PrioNet is strategically responding to prion threats by focusing its network of highly accomplished researchers and trainees to implement integrated risk management strategies that could not be supported by other mechanisms.
Subject(s)
Biomedical Research/organization & administration , Prion Diseases , Animals , Biomedical Research/education , Canada/epidemiology , Cattle , Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome/diagnosis , Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome/transmission , Encephalopathy, Bovine Spongiform/diagnosis , Encephalopathy, Bovine Spongiform/prevention & control , Humans , International Cooperation , Population Surveillance , Prion Diseases/diagnosis , Prion Diseases/epidemiology , Prion Diseases/transmission , Prions/pathogenicity , Prions/physiology , Wasting Disease, Chronic/diagnosis , Wasting Disease, Chronic/prevention & control , WorkforceABSTRACT
PrioNet Canada's strength in basic, applied, and social research is helping to solve the food, health safety, and socioeconomic problems associated with prion diseases. Prion diseases are transmissible, fatal neurodegenerative diseases of humans and animals. Examples of prion diseases include bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, commonly known as "mad cow" disease), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, and chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk. As of March 31, 2008, PrioNet's interdisciplinary network included 62 scientific members, 5 international collaborators, and more than 150 students and young professionals working in partnership with 25 different government, nongovernment, and industry partners. PrioNet's activities are developing strategies based on a sustained, rational approach that will mitigate, and ultimately control, prion diseases in Canada.
