Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Flashcards
1
Q
What are the two important transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) to know for clinical veterinary practice?
A
- Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle
- Scrapie in sheep
** Both of them are transmitted in feed
2
Q
What is the method of transmission of BSE?
A
- Contaminated feed - e.g. infected ingredients
3
Q
What are the three main signs seen with BSE in cattle?
A
- Hypesthesia (Mad Cow)
- Fine tremors
- Persistent licking of the muzzle
4
Q
Is BSE a reportable disease?
A
YES!
5
Q
How is a diagnosis for BSE made?
A
- Histology of the brain - bilaterally symmetric intracytoplasmic vacuolation of the neurons
- Confirm with IHC for prion protein fibrils
6
Q
What is the name of the human disease related to the consumption of cattle infected with BSE and what steps have been taken to limit the incidence of this disease?
A
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
- Lead to ban on non-ambulatory cattle in human food chain
