BSE surveillance programs

BSE surveillance programs are safety measures used to detect bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), a degenerative brain disease in cattle, often called "mad cow disease." These programs involve regularly testing high-risk cattle, such as fallen stock and animals showing neurological symptoms, to identify infected animals early. The goal is to prevent the disease from entering the human food supply and to maintain overall animal health. Surveillance helps authorities monitor the disease's presence or absence in cattle populations, ensuring that beef products are safe for consumers.