What Is Mad Cow Disease?
2. What Are the Signs of Mad Cow Disease?
One of the first signs of mad cow disease is incoordination. An infected bovine will have trouble standing and walking, and it may become very violent or aggressive. The latter symptom is the reason for the name “mad cow disease.” Unfortunately, once signs of the disease present themselves, it is too late for the cow, which will get sicker until it dies.
Mad cow disease has an incubation period of between four to six years. This means the infected cattle can continue to mingle with other cattle and spread the disease without anyone knowing for up to six years. Once an infected cow dies, scientists can tell if it has BSE by checking to see if the brain tissue appears spongey.
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