How to Diagnose Mad Cow Disease
Instructions
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In Cattle
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1
Look for a change in behavior. The animal will start to have uncoordinated movements.
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2
Check the animal's ability to walk or stand. It will have trouble with both as mad cow disease progresses. Cattle that can't stand are called "downers."
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3
Watch for weight loss even though the animal is eating. Also look for decreased milk production.
In Humans
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4
Look for psychiatric symptoms first. Depression, anxiety, withdrawal and insomnia have been linked to vCJD.
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5
Monitor the person's movements. A person with vCJD has increasingly uncoordinated movements leading to the inability to walk or stand.
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6
Pay attention to the person's memory. Since vCJD affects the brain, memory troubles worsen as the disease progresses.
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7
When you observe any of the symptoms described above, contact a physician for a professional evaluation.
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