BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy)
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as "mad cow disease," is a neurodegenerative disease that affects cattle. It is caused by misfolded proteins called prions, which damage the brain and nervous system, leading to extreme changes in behavior, coordination issues, and ultimately death. BSE can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated beef products, potentially causing a variant form of the disease known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Due to its serious health risks, strict regulations and monitoring in cattle farming and meat processing have been implemented to prevent its spread.
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Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, is a neurological condition that affects cattle. It is caused by abnormal proteins called prions, which lead to brain deterioration, resulting in symptoms such as changes in behavior and coordination issues. BSE is concerning because it can spread to humans through infected beef products, potentially causing a variant known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). Since its identification in the 1980s, strict animal feed regulations and monitoring have been implemented to control BSE and protect public health.