Symptoms:
* Behavioral Changes: Cows may become restless, aggressive, and fearful. They might also have difficulty walking or standing.
* Loss of Coordination: Cows with BSE may exhibit tremors, stumbling, and loss of balance.
* Weight Loss: The disease causes severe weight loss due to the inability to eat and digest properly.
* Abnormalities: Cows with BSE may have drooping ears, vacant stares, and a weakened immune system.
What happens in the brain:
* BSE is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion. These prions accumulate in the brain, causing damage to nerve cells.
* The brain tissue becomes riddled with holes, giving it a spongy appearance, hence the name "spongiform encephalopathy."
* This damage to the brain leads to the observed behavioral changes, loss of coordination, and eventual death.
How it affects cows:
* BSE is always fatal.
* The incubation period can be years, meaning cows might show no symptoms for a long time before exhibiting signs of the disease.
* There is no cure for BSE.
Important Note: BSE can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated beef products.
If you have any concerns about mad cow disease or its impact on cows, it's best to consult a veterinarian or a qualified expert in the field.