In an effort to prevent the human form of mad cow disease from spreading, the American Red Cross plans to start turning away blood donors who have lived in Western Europe. But there are fears that the move could have a dangerous impact on already low blood supplies. CBS Health contributor Dr. Bernadine Healy, the president of the American Red Cross, and Merlyn Sayers, MD, spokesperson of the America's Blood Center are here to tell us more about it. The Red Cross will be urging a federal panel this week to make the restrictions to apply to all blood collection agencies at least until the transmission of the disease is understood. The brain-destroying disease began in the United Kingdom and has spread throughout Europe.
Scientists say people get it from eating tainted meat.
The blood panel consists of national and international experts to present the most current information from Europe concerning mad cow disease. The panel will meet to discuss what recommendations the FDA should make concerning donors exposed to mad cow disease. You have to balance the real risk of someone dying from a lack of blood against the theoretical risk of a donor transmitting mad cow disease. We are concerned that blood availability is an essential element of safety. You also want to hear what the experts have to say before we abide the FDA's recommendations.