Britain Announces Mad Cow Disease Has Infected Humans
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events: 1900-2001
- Categories: Science, Medicine, Health
- Subcategories: Animals, Endangered Species, Zoology, Epidemics, Diseases, Food, Cooking, Cuisine
- Curriculum: 20th & 21st Century European History, British History
- Geographical Location: London, United Kingdom
- Date: March 20, 1996
Article abstract: The British government revealed that a fatal brain disease that affects cattle, popularly known as mad cow disease, had spread to humans through contaminated beef and meat products.
Prion Diseases
In 1986, the first case of mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), was diagnosed in Great Britain. Irritability, fearful behavior, and a staggering gait preceded death in affected cows, and autopsies showed holes in their brain tissue. Food scientists, including John Wilesmith, head of epidemiology in Britain’s Central...
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