STEP 244: Mad Cow Disease (CE: 0.5)


Description:

The threat of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), better known to the public as mad cow disease, was first realized in England in 1986. By 1990, hundreds of cows were exhibiting strange behaviors. The disease was recognized as BSE in 1996, causing a ban on adding animal remnants to livestock feed.  This article discusses the transmission of BSE to humans, the threat of mad cow disease, diagnosis, and treatment of BSE.

 

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the clinical diagnosis of mad cow disease
  • Outline the treatment methods for mad cow disease
  • Discuss the effects of mad cow disease on the body

 

Author(s):

Bill McIntosh

Debra H. Wisenor, BS, MT(ASCP)

George H. Roberts, EdD, MT(AMT)

 

Launched: 2002