How is BSE diagnosed?
There is currently no test that can detect Mad Cow disease in live animals. Direct examination of the brain tissue is needed to do a diagnostic test. This diagnostic testing will look for abnormalities or for the presence of the abnormal form of prion protein.
Animals that are detected with this disease in the United States are euthanized and a brain sample is taken to be tested in the Diagnostic Lab.
The BSE testing protocol requires an initial rapid test called an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
Animals that are detected with this disease in the United States are euthanized and a brain sample is taken to be tested in the Diagnostic Lab.
The BSE testing protocol requires an initial rapid test called an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
Symptoms:
- Nervousness or aggression
- Change in attitude and behavior
- Abnormal posture
- Coordination problems
- Difficulty in walking or getting up off the ground
- Reduced milk production
- Acute muscular twitching
- Unexplained loss of body weight in spite of a good appetite
- Severe moaning and ultimately death