From Thursday, February 29, 2024, people who lived in the United Kingdom, France or Republic of Ireland between 1980 and 1996 for six months or more during the ‘mad cow disease’ outbreak will finally be able to book to donate blood or plasma in New Zealand.

“It has taken some time for us to reach this point, but after more than 20 years, we are thrilled that we can safely remove this restriction and finally welcome this large cohort of new potential donors into our lifesaving whānau,” says New Zealand Blood Service chief executive Sam Cliffe. 

“It’s impossible to say how many people living in New Zealand have been prevented from donating because of this. However, we estimate that we lost around eight to 10 percent of donors when this restriction was introduced. 

“No doubt people will be eager to donate straightaway. Given the influx of new donors we’re expecting to welcome through our doors from Thursday 29 February 2024, we’re asking people to consider booking an appointment over the next few weeks. This will ensure the donation process runs as smoothly as possible for them and avoid overwhelming our donor centres or mobile drives.”

The restriction that prevented those who lived in the United Kingdom, France, or Republic of Ireland between 1980 and 1996 for six months or more from donating was implemented in 2000.

It was a precautionary measure in response to the outbreak of ‘mad cow’ disease and concerns about the risk of acquiring human variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) via blood or plasma transfusions.

The recommendation from NZBS to lift the restriction was approved by Medsafe following a review and detailed risk assessment.

NZBS’ clinical team worked with epidemiology and infectious disease experts at the University of New South Wales Kirby Institute for more than a year to research the risk of vCJD among New Zealand’s blood donor population.

That work showed the risk was negligible and that removing the restriction would not comprise the safety of blood and blood products in New Zealand.

With those previously impacted by the restriction finally being able to book an appointment to donate from Thursday, February 29, 2024, they’ll first be encouraged to check their eligibility online because there may be other factors that mean they’re unable to give blood or much needed plasma. A basic eligibility quiz can be found on the NZBS website.

“This is an exciting time for everyone. Our teams are looking forward to welcoming all new donors into our lifesaving donor community from Thursday, February 29, 2024.”