Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy: What you need to know about BSE

Emergency Animal Diseases (EADs) pose a serious threat to the health and productivity of Australia’s feedlot industry. This blog series will outline a number of EADs and is designed to help you stay informed, prepared, and ready to respond.  

What Is Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)/ (Mad Cow Disease)? 

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, is a progressive and fatal neurological disease that affects adult cattle and, in rare cases, buffalo. It was first recognised in the United Kingdom (UK) in 1986 as a result of feeding cattle meat-and-bone meal (MBM) which was contaminated with the BSE agent. 

BSE is caused by an abnormal prion protein that accumulates in the brain and central nervous system (CNS) of infected animals. It is characterised by a long incubation period and leads to degenerative changes in the brain. 

Importantly, BSE has never occurred in Australia. Australia remains free of BSE and continues to maintain rigorous surveillance and biosecurity programs to ensure this status - providing assurances to domestic and international markets. 

BSE can cause variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) in humans when specified risk materials from infected cattle - such as brain or spinal cord - are consumed. However, Australia has strict feed bans in place and food safety regulations that mitigate this risk.

How Does Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Spread? 

BSE is not spread through direct animal contact. It is primarily transmitted through: 

• Feeding meat-and-bone meal (MBM) or other feedstuffs contaminated with the BSE agent 

• Cross-contamination of ruminant feed with restricted animal materials 

• Use of untreated or improperly sourced cooking fats in feed 

  
  

Australia’s ruminant feed ban prohibits the feeding of animal-derived protein to ruminants. Strict controls and storage practices ensure compliance and prevent cross-contamination. 

BSE cannot be spread horizontally between animals or vertically from dam to calf, making prevention through feed regulation highly effective. 

What Are the Signs of BSE in Cattle? 

Because of the disease’s long incubation period, signs of BSE usually appear in cattle between 3 and 7 years of age. Watch for the following symptoms: 

• Behavioural changes such as nervousness, aggression, or isolation 

• Abnormal gait, ataxia, especially in the hind limbs 

• Increased sensitivity to touch, light, or sound 

• Head shaking, unusual head posture, tremors, or stumbling 

• Progressive weight loss and drop in milk production 

These symptoms worsen over time and are always fatal once clinical signs appear. 

BSE and Biosecurity: Why Prevention Is Key 

Classical BSE is entirely preventable through appropriate feed practices and strict adherence to biosecurity guidelines. Feedlots must: 

• Use only approved feed for ruminants 

• Prevent contamination by storing feed separately 

• Ensure all feed suppliers comply with Australian regulations 

Surveillance programs like Australia’s Bucks for Brains and the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Freedom Assurance Program monitor for any signs of disease and provide strong evidence of freedom from BSE. 

How to Report Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in Australia 

BSE is a notifiable disease, meaning any suspected cases must be reported immediately. 

Contact your feedlot veterinarian or call the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Watch Hotline: 1800 675 888 

Prompt reporting protects Australia’s cattle industry, global market access, and public health.