Skip to main content

Military Health System

Clear Your Browser Cache

This website has recently undergone changes. Users finding unexpected concerns may care to clear their browser's cache to ensure a seamless experience.

"Mad Cow" Blood Donor Ban Lifted

Image of Graphic of blood donation from Armed Services Blood Program. Welcome back, blood donors! The Food and Drug Administration has recently updated its guidelines, and Armed Services Blood Program blood donors who were once deferred for geographic risk factors related to vCJD, commonly known as “Mad Cow” disease, or for the receipt of a blood transfusion in the U.K., France or Ireland during certain periods of time, may now be eligible to donate, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements. (Jonathon Davis, MHS)

A decades-old blood donor ban was recently lifted by the Food and Drug Administration, potentially increasing the nation's blood supply by hundreds of thousands of donors each year.

Since the 1980s, the existence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, referenced as vCJD and otherwise known as the "Mad Cow" disease, banned many potential donors from donating blood—in particular, those who have served in or traveled to certain countries in Europe.

In 2020, the FDA lifted the vCJD disease travel deferral for the majority of affected European countries, but it wasn't until May 2022 that it was determined to be safe enough to lift the ban for the U.K., France, and Ireland.

Now, with lifting of the ban, the Armed Services Blood Program wants to see an increase in donors with "thousands of military members and their families who had been excluded from being able to donate blood because of geographical travel or military assignment now being eligible to donate," said U.S. Navy Capt. Leslie Riggs, division chief of the ASBP.

According to the FDA, most individuals who were once deferred should now be eligible to donate blood, assuming they meet all other donor requirements.

Riggs said that "standard procedures are in place to assure that donors are healthy at the time of donation and serve as an effective safeguard against collecting blood or blood components from a donor after the onset of clinical symptoms of vCJD. Blood safety is always our top priority."

Riggs added that everyone should consider donating blood, if they are eligible.

"Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person—the gift of life," he said. "A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components—red cells, platelets and plasma— which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions."

What is the Armed Services Blood Program?

Since 1952, the ASBP has been tasked with ensuring the safety of the military's blood supply. As the official blood program of the U.S. military, the ASBP's mission is to provide quality blood products and support to military health care operations worldwide, according to Riggs. As a joint operation within the Defense Health Agency, the ASBP collects, processes, stores, transports, and distributes blood products to service members, their families, retirees, and veterans worldwide.

Seventy-two years ago, the ASBP was established under President Harry Truman and became a fully operational blood program by 1962. "Our decades-long mission of providing lifesaving support for our warfighters carries on today," said Riggs. Along with the American Red Cross, America's Blood Centers, and the Blood Centers of America, the ASBP is one of four organizations that ensure the nation has a safe blood supply.

If you are interested in donating blood or checking your eligibility, visit militaryblood.dod.mil to locate a military blood donor center near you.

You also may be interested in...

Video
Oct 24, 2023

Blood Donations Save Lives

Blood Donations Save Lives

If you could save three lives in less than an hour, would you? Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, encourages everyone to donate blood. One donation can save up to 3 lives and takes less than 1 hour. Readiness is a key focus of the Defense Health Agency and blood donation is a key part of military medical ...

Video
Sep 29, 2023

For Us. From Us. Join Us in Saving Lives: Donate Blood with the ASBP!

For Us. From Us. Join Us in Saving Lives: Donate Blood with the ASBP!

The Armed Services Blood Program is the official blood program of the US military. We provide quality blood products to our military community worldwide. It is both for 'us' (military; service members, families, veterans) and from 'us' (donations by military, their families, retirees, veterans, government civilians). Donating does not take long and ...

Video
May 18, 2022

Disasters Don't Wait, Donate Blood Today

Military personnel with blood donations

When a disaster strikes, blood is needed immediately, there is no time to wait for donations. Donate today, to prepare for tomorrow. Find where you can donate blood through the Armed Services Blood Program. One donation can save up to 3 lives. https://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/

Video
Feb 18, 2022

Please Donate Blood!

Blood Donation

Lieutenant General Place and CSM Gragg discuss the importance of Blood Donation. Go to www.militarydonate.com to find a donation location in your area.

Video
Jan 21, 2016

Armed Services Blood Program Thanks Their Donors

ASBP blood donor

Since 1962, the Armed Services Blood Program has served as the sole provider of blood for the United States military. As a tri-service organization, the ASBP collects, processes, stores and distributes blood and blood products to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their families worldwide.

Refine your search
Last Updated: July 11, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery