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Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow Disease): A Comprehensive Guide

Benji Powell

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Published in Colour Atlas On Specific Risk Material (SRM): Removal At The Abattoir: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Mad Cow Disease

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Colour Atlas on Specific Risk Material (SRM): Removal at the Abattoir: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy "Mad Cow Disease"

by Dr. Drago Herenda

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE),commonly known as mad cow disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disFree Download that affects cattle. It is a member of a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs),which are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins called prions in the brain.

BSE was first identified in the United Kingdom in 1986 and has since been reported in over 20 countries worldwide. The disease has had a significant impact on the cattle industry and has raised concerns about the potential transmission of TSEs to humans.

Causes of BSE

The cause of BSE is believed to be a prion, a misfolded protein that is able to convert normal proteins into its own abnormal form. Prions are resistant to heat, radiation, and proteolytic enzymes, making them very difficult to destroy.

The most likely source of BSE is thought to be the use of meat-and-bone meal (MBM) in cattle feed. MBM is a protein-rich supplement that is made from the rendered remains of cattle and other animals. It is thought that BSE-infected cattle were introduced into the food chain through the consumption of MBM that contained prions.

Symptoms of BSE

The symptoms of BSE can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, cattle may exhibit subtle changes in behavior, such as nervousness, irritability, or decreased appetite. As the disease progresses, cattle may develop more severe neurological signs, such as:

* Ataxia (loss of coordination) * Tremors * Seizures * Blindness * Coma

The incubation period for BSE can be several years, and the disease is always fatal.

Diagnosis of BSE

The diagnosis of BSE is based on a combination of clinical signs and laboratory tests. A definitive diagnosis can only be made by examining the brain of an affected animal after death.

Laboratory tests that can be used to diagnose BSE include:

* Immunohistochemistry: This test detects the presence of prions in the brain tissue. * Western blotting: This test separates proteins in the brain tissue and identifies the presence of abnormal prion proteins. * Bioassay: This test involves inoculating mice with brain tissue from a suspected BSE case. If the mice develop BSE, it is considered a positive diagnosis.

Treatment of BSE

There is no cure for BSE. Treatment is supportive and focuses on relieving the symptoms of the disease. Cattle with BSE may be given medication to control seizures, tremors, and other neurological signs.

Prevention of BSE

The most effective way to prevent BSE is to eliminate the use of MBM in cattle feed. In the United States, the feeding of MBM to cattle has been banned since 1997. Other countries have also implemented similar bans or restrictions.

Other measures that can be taken to prevent BSE include:

* Isolating cattle from other animals that may be carrying prions * Proper disposal of animal carcasses * Preventing the consumption of cattle products from BSE-infected animals

Public Health Concerns

There is some concern that BSE could be transmitted to humans through the consumption of beef products from infected cattle. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this claim.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the risk of BSE transmission to humans is extremely low. However, some people may choose to avoid eating beef products from countries where BSE has been reported.

BSE is a serious disease that has had a significant impact on the cattle industry and has raised concerns about the potential transmission of TSEs to humans. However, there are a number of measures that can be taken to prevent BSE, including eliminating the use of MBM in cattle feed, isolating cattle from other animals that may be carrying prions, and properly disposing of animal carcasses.

The risk of BSE transmission to humans is extremely low, and consumers should not be concerned about eating beef products from countries where BSE has been reported.

Colour Atlas on Specific Risk Material (SRM): Removal at the Abattoir: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy "Mad Cow Disease"

by Dr. Drago Herenda

5 out of 5