Transmitted through feed that contains animal proteins from either sheep or other
cows.
Symptoms are staggering, general loss of motor control, dementia/behavioral
changes, increased startle reflex, weakness, weight loss, and decreased milk
production.
BSE is diagnosed by examining the brain tissue of the deceased animal and finding
characteristic "moth eaten" appearance of the brain tissue.
Treatment, there is no treatment, just medications to ease the animal as the disease
progresses.
Certain food bans prevent mad cow. Food for cattle is only imported from countries
where Mad Cow is not prominent.
For additional help see your local veterinarian.
Prognosis: Fatal disease, may take from 2 weeks to 14 months to fully take effect.
UK with most infections 179,000.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/bse/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bovine_spongiform_encephalopathy