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| What is Mad Cow Disease? |
| Mad Cow Disease, or BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), is an extremely rare disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It most commonly occurs in bovines such as cows. As the disease progresses, holes form in the brain, giving it the appearance of Swiss cheese. BSE is caused by prions (PHREE-ons), or mutated protiens that become infectuous. They form in the brains of the affected animal. This usually happens when a protien that has been processed improperly, or rendered, enters the body through the digestive system. Also, cows that eat animal products that have been infected can contract the disease. Some symptoms of BSE are loss of coordination, a staggering gait, difficulty standing up, weight loss, and in bovines only, decreased milk production. There are also obvious behaviorial changes that include nervousness, aggression, lack of interest in surroundings, etc. Once these symptoms develop, death occurs within months. It is always fatal and there is no cure. . .yet. BSE can be transmitted to humans, however, this is extremely rare. Did you know. . . ~Mad Cow Disease doesn't affect cows and humans only. There was once a case of FSE (feline spongiform encephalopathy) in a lion at a British zoo, and rumored cases of CSE (canine spongiform encephalopathy) in peoples' pet dogs! Home |
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