Similar term(s): Bovine spongiform encephalopathy , BSE.
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is an infectious, fatal and lethal brain disease of cattle. It degenerates the cells of the brain and spinal cord of the animal.
Spongiform refers to the characteristic appearance of infected brains, which become filled with holes until they resemble sponges, visible under an ordinary microscope.
Source: GreenFacts, based on WHO
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
Español: Enfermedad de las vacas locas
Français: Maladie de la vache folle
Nederlands: Gekkekoeienziekte