Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as "mad cow disease," is a degenerative brain disorder in cattle caused by abnormal proteins called prions. These prions lead to brain damage, resulting in severe neurological symptoms and ultimately death in affected cows. BSE can be transmitted to humans through consumption of infected beef products, leading to a similar condition known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). BSE was significantly linked to improper animal feed practices that included using other cattle parts. This issue has led to changes in food safety regulations to prevent further outbreaks.