How likely is it to get mad cow disease?

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease of cattle. The disease is caused by a prion, a type of misfolded protein that is resistant to heat, radiation, and proteolytic enzymes.

BSE was first identified in the United Kingdom in 1986. The outbreak was linked to the use of meat and bone meal, made from the remains of cattle and other animals, as a protein supplement in cattle feed. The disease quickly spread to other countries in Europe and beyond.

The incidence of BSE has declined significantly since the introduction of controls on the use of meat and bone meal in cattle feed. In the United Kingdom, for example, the number of cases of BSE fell from over 37,000 in 1992 to just 1 in 2016.

However, the risk of BSE has not been completely eliminated. The disease can still be transmitted through the consumption of contaminated meat or other animal products. The risk is highest for people who live in countries where BSE is still prevalent, or who travel to those countries.

The symptoms of BSE can include changes in behavior, such as aggression or depression, difficulty walking, and weight loss. The disease can also cause dementia and other neurological problems.

There is no cure for BSE. The disease is always fatal.

The best way to prevent BSE is to avoid eating meat or other animal products that may be contaminated with the disease. This includes beef, veal, and other cattle products from countries where BSE is prevalent. It also includes game meat from deer and other animals that may have come into contact with infected cattle.

If you are concerned about the risk of BSE, you should talk to your doctor.