BSE and Prion Disease Concepts

Mad cow disease, or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), is a neurological disorder affecting cattle, first identified in the UK in 1986. It is caused by prions, which are deformed proteins that replicate by corrupting normal proteins. BSE likely spread through cattle feed containing infected animal remains. A human variant, vCJD, can result from consuming infected beef, leading to severe brain degeneration and death. Improved farming practices have reduced BSE cases, and there is no evidence of transmission through milk or beef products. The video emphasizes the importance of continued research and safe farming to prevent future outbreaks.

What was a major concern about mad cow disease in the UK during the 1990s?

• It was thought to be a plant disease.

• It was a type of bird flu.

• It was believed to be a new type of flu.

• It could potentially infect humans.

What is the full name of the disease commonly known as mad cow disease?

• Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

• Bovine Spongiform Encephalitis

• Bovine Spongiform Encephaloma

• Bovine Spongiform Encephalosis

What are the symptoms of BSE in cattle?

• Enhanced muscle growth

• Improved digestion

• Severe brain and nervous system damage

• Increased milk production

What is a prion?

• A self-replicating protein

• A type of bacteria

• A form of virus

• A genetic mutation

How do prions cause damage in the brain?

• By enhancing brain cell growth

• By increasing blood flow

• By creating holes in the brain tissue

• By reducing brain temperature

How did BSE likely originate in cattle?

• By feeding cattle ground-up meat and bones

• Through genetic engineering

• From a viral infection

• Due to climate change

What is the human version of BSE called?

• Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

• Variant Alzheimer's disease

• Variant Parkinson's disease

• Variant Huntington's disease

What measures have been taken to reduce the risk of vCJD?

• Reducing cattle population

• Enhancing genetic modification

• Improving cattle feed safety

• Increasing the use of antibiotics

Why can't you donate blood in the U.S. if you've spent time in high-risk countries?

• Because of vitamin deficiency

• Due to high blood pressure

• Because of increased cholesterol levels

• Due to the risk of spreading prions

What is the current status of BSE cases in the UK as of 2016?

• BSE is now a common disease.

• BSE has been eradicated worldwide.

• BSE cases have increased significantly.

• There were no new reports of BSE in cows.