What is Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy?
What sort of disease is Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), and how can I tell if my cattle have it?
What is BSE?
- It is a brain disease of cattle for which there is no treatment
- BSE is confirmed after death of the animal by examining its brain tissue
- BSE is notifiable and there is a Departmental slaughter and compensation scheme
How do I recognise BSE?
Most cattle with BSE gradually develop signs over a period of several weeks or months, although some can worsen very rapidly. Stress appears to bring on the signs more rapidly in some animals, particularly when brought in before calving or if transported. Most suspects will show several of the signs listed below, although some may also be seen in other diseases:
- apprehension
- nervousness (flighty)
- reluctance to
- cross concrete
- turn corners
- enter yards
- go through doorways
- permit milking
- (occasionally) aggressive to cattle and humans
- manic kicking when milked
- head shy, with head held low
- high stepping, particularly of hind legs
- difficulty in rising (downer cows)
- tremors under skin
- loss of condition, weight or milk yield
- increased licking of muzzle
