To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to use the Agricultural Research Service to conduct research regarding the likelihood and risks of the transfer between animal species of the proteinaceous infectious particles, known as prions, that cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, and for other purposes.

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct research through the Agricultural Research Service regarding the likelihood and risks of the inter-animal species transfer of the proteinaceous infectious particles (prions) that cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Directs the Service to study the risks associated with feeding livestock by-products to other animals.