How does a bovine contract BSE?
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease, is a progressive neurological disorder that affects cattle. The exact cause of BSE is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by abnormal proteins called prions.
Bovines can contract BSE by consuming feed that is contaminated with prions. The prions then accumulate in the brain and spinal cord of the animal, causing damage to nerve cells and eventually leading to neurological symptoms.
It is important to note that BSE is not contagious between cattle, meaning that one infected animal cannot transmit the disease to another through direct contact. However, humans can potentially contract a human form of the disease, known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, by consuming contaminated beef products from infected cattle.
In an effort to prevent the spread of BSE, many countries have implemented strict regulations regarding the production and distribution of animal feed, as well as measures to detect and control the disease in cattle populations.