Question: What does BSE stand for, and why is it called "Mad Cow" disease?
BSE, or Mad Cow Disease was discovered in the mid 1980's in the United Kingdom and the first US case was reported on 12/23/03 in Washington state. The purpose of this FAQ is to educate about the terminology for this disease as it appears in cattle. For human health and current political issues concerning BSE, please visit with your local health care provider or refer to local/national/Internet news sources.
Answer: What does BSE stand for?
BSE (at least in terms of veterinary medicine) stands for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy.
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Bovine = Of, relating to, or resembling a ruminant mammal of the genus Bos, such as an ox, cow, or buffalo.
Spongiform = Resembling a sponge in appearance or texture; spongy
Encephalopathy = Any of various diseases of the brain.
(Source: dictionary.com)
Why is is called "Mad Cow" disease?
BSE is a relatively new disease, first diagnosed in Great Britain in 1986. The common name of "Mad Cow" is probably due to the loss of motor control, dementia and behavioral changes seen in the late stages of this disease.
