epidemiology of BSE

BSE, or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting cattle, caused by misfolded proteins called prions. It spreads when healthy cattle consume contaminated feed containing infected animal parts. BSE gained attention in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to widespread outbreaks in the UK and other countries. While the disease primarily affects cattle, it can pose a risk to humans through consumption of infected beef, potentially leading to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Precautionary measures, including feed bans and surveillance, have significantly reduced its incidence, enhancing food safety and public health.