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BSE: a decade on--Part I
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical School, Edinburgh, UK.
Lancet (London, England)
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or "mad cow disease," emerged in 1986, causing significant cattle deaths and herd infections in the UK. This article summarizes recent developments in understanding this neurological disorder in cattle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), known as "mad cow disease," was identified in 1986.
- By January 1997, over 165,000 cattle deaths in the UK were attributed to BSE, affecting approximately 34,000 herds.
- Clinical signs in affected cattle include altered posture and temperament, apprehension, and loss of coordination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and clinical presentation of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
- To highlight the neuropathological similarities between BSE in cattle and scrapie in sheep.
- To summarize recent developments concerning BSE, building upon previous reviews.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing data and published facts on BSE.
- Comparative analysis of neuropathological findings in BSE and scrapie.
- Synthesis of recent developments in the field.
Main Results:
- BSE is a significant disease affecting cattle populations, particularly in the UK.
- Neuropathological examination reveals spongiform changes in the hindbrain, similar to scrapie.
- The disease has been extensively documented in scientific literature.
Conclusions:
- Bovine spongiform encephalopathy presents with distinct neurological and behavioral symptoms in cattle.
- The spongiform changes observed in the brain are a key diagnostic feature.
- Ongoing research and reviews are crucial for understanding and managing BSE outbreaks.