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Mad Cow Disease

Mad Cow Disease, or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), is a fatal neurological disease that affects cattle. It is caused by misfolded proteins called prions, which damage brain tissue, leading to behavioral changes and coordination problems in cows. Humans can contract a related condition known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) by consuming contaminated beef products. The disease raised significant public health concerns in the 1990s, leading to strict regulations in the meat industry to prevent its spread. While rare, both BSE and vCJD underscore the importance of food safety and monitoring animal health.

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    Mad cow disease, officially known as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), is a serious neurological disease that affects cattle. It is caused by misfolded proteins called prions, which damage the brain, leading to symptoms like changes in behavior, lack of coordination, and ultimately death. Humans can contract a variant form of this disease, known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), by consuming infected beef. This raised significant public health concerns in the 1990s, prompting stricter regulations on cattle feed and meat production to prevent its spread and protect both animal and human health.