It was BSE (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy), commonly known as "mad cow" disease which, when spread to humans, is known as Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bovine...encephalopathy

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/...ase-Fact-Sheet

The Swiss authorities exclude people who lived in the UK then, because they may have contracted this disease and, if so, could pass it on through blood donation.

Thank you all very much for your concern for my brother and myself ... it is much appreciated. Actually we don't know if my brother will need a bone marrow donation yet. If he does then I would go to the UK to be tested as a match for him. Because of what has happened to him, I wanted to register in case I could help someone else. I forgot about the BSE thing and didn't realise my age would be a factor.

I haven't heard more about this recently. How many years is it until all us Brits go (more) crazy and drop dead?

I think there are other more relevant factors that need to be considered by the authorities before considering potential donors.
It's sad to read stories of, for example, patients with lung impairment getting a lung transplant from a smoker and then dying of lung cancer.

Klostersgirl: So sorry to hear about your brother. I hope he gets well.

I'm sure you know but the prognosis for NHL is pretty good compared with other cancers if that's any comfort to you.

Is there no way they can test for something like this today? Seems strange to exclude tens of thousands (millions??) as donors on the chance they might have been exposed to BSE in the 80s or 90s.

Klostersgirl - Sorry to hear about your brother's diagnosis. I hope he's able to get the treatment he needs.