Specifically, the Committee was tasked to:

• Recommend research that will best lead to sensitive, reproducible and inexpensive methods for detecting prions and in diagnosing prion diseases/TSE. This will be based on an assessment of critical technologies (current and novel) needed to detect prions.
• Assess the status of currently available assays and their detection limits based on strains and biological system employed.
• Assess the availability of standardized and reference reagents as well as physical facilities required to validate assays.
• Recommend key opportunities for collaboration with foreign investigators that would facilitate the development of effective prion detection methods.
• Assess the availability of trained investigators and specialized facilities dedicated to prion research and identify any critical gaps.
• Assess the role that prion-diseases pose for the military force including but not limited to the military's food and blood supply.
• Recommend relevant surveillance efforts and public health policies at home and abroad regarding TSEs in humans, livestock, and wildlife that impact on military health or that urgently require further research.
• Provide recommendations for future TSE research.