Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, is an extremely rare disease that affects the brains of cattle. Only three cases are known to have occurred in the United States: in 2003 in the state of Washington, in 2005 in Texas, and most recently in 2006 in Alabama. Unlike most livestock diseases, BSE is not caused by a bacterial or viral infection, but rather is the result of infectious prions. These are unique proteins that may bond with a cow's brain cells, altering their composition and ultimately leading to the animal's death. It is believed to be transferred to cattle when they eat these infectious proteins in contaminated feed, via meat and bone meal. Current science indicates that BSE is not found in the meat we commonly eat, such as steaks, roasts and ground beef. After years of research, scientists have never found BSE infection in beef muscle or fat. Guidelines established by USDA and FDA ensure that all material that could potentially carry the BSE agent (such as brain and spinal cord) does not enter the food supply. There is no known concern or risk from dairy products. Milk from cows infected with BSE has been repeatedly tested for the ability to transmit the disease. It has never occurred. The United States put safeguards in place in 1997 to prevent the disease from spreading, by banning ground-up cattle remains from being added to cattle feed. Cattle born before 1997 would be more at risk.However, science has shown the disease can only affect those cows that are genetically susceptible. Since a prion is not a bacterium, parasite or virus, the treatments usually used for treating or preventing bacterial infections (e.g. antibiotics) or viral infections are not effective against prions. At this time, there is neither any treatment nor a vaccine to prevent the disease. Affected animals may display changes in temperament such as nervousness or aggression; abnormal posture; poor coordination and difficulty in rising; decreased milk production; or loss of body weight despite continued appetite.   The incubation period (the time from when an animal becomes infected until it first shows disease signs) is from two to eight years. There is no test to confirm the disease in a live animal. Microscopic examination of brain tissue after death is the primary laboratory method used to confirm a diagnosis of BSE. In humans, eating meat products contaminated with BSE has been linked to approximately 150 deaths worldwide, from variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, mostly in Great Britain where BSE was first diagnosed in 1986.It is noteworthy that most of these individuals were likely exposed before controls were instituted to prevent transmission to humans. Related Links FDA: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/bse.html USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/hot_issues/bse.shtml Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries http://www.agi.alabama.gov/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/bse/ Media Contacts For informational sources on BSE, contact Dr. Gary Beard or Charles Martin of the College of Veterinary Medicine at (334) 844-3699; or Mike Clardy or David Granger of the Auburn University Office of Communications and Marketing at (334) 844-9999. Return To News