Bovine spongiform encephalitis, commonly known as Mad Cow Disease, is a degenerative and fatal neurological disorder that affects cattle and is caused by an abnormal prion protein. This disease belongs to a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that affect both animals and humans. Bovine spongiform encephalitis is characterized by the accumulation and aggregation of these abnormal prion proteins in the brain, leading to the destruction of brain cells.
The term "spongiform" refers to the sponge-like appearance of the affected brain tissue when examined under a microscope. The disease is called "bovine" because it primarily affects cattle, although there have been instances of transmission to other animals and humans through consumption of infected meat products.
The symptoms of bovine spongiform encephalitis include behavioral changes, difficulty in coordination and movement, muscle twitching, weight loss, and ultimately, a rapid and severe decline in the animal's overall health. The disease has a long incubation period and can remain undetected for several years before symptoms become observable.
Bovine spongiform encephalitis is a significant concern due to its potential for transmission to humans through the consumption of contaminated meat. In humans, the equivalent disease is called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), which can cause progressive neurological symptoms and ultimately lead to death.
To prevent the spread of bovine spongiform encephalitis, strict control measures have been implemented in many countries, including bans on the use of animal-derived products in animal feed, surveillance programs, and strict regulations on meat processing and importation.
