Published on Feb 15, 2025 5 min read

Facts About Mad Cow Disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, popularly known as mad cow disease, is a degenerative disease that results in the human consumption of the infected animal. Such a disease does not kill a person directly but gives him another condition above, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Both such diseases are rare but fatal and affect the brain. In both diseases, the cause is an abnormal protein called a prion that destroys the brain's tissues. The shocking thing is that the everyday cooking and sterilization procedures do not destroy prions. Hence, they are very dangerous. Research continues to unravel what is known about the use of these diseases in humans and animals.

The Causes of Mad Cow Disease and Its Impact

The leading causes of bovine spongiform encephalopathy are feeding practices. The cattle were fed the processed remains of other animals, and thus, the disease spread. When an infected cow's tissue was consumed by other cows, particularly material from its brain and spinal cord, the disease multiplied. In humans, the disease is contracted through the consumption of beef products contaminated with prions, leading to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), a fatal disorder that destroys brain power. Despite laws restricting it, the infrequent still occurs. This perpetuates the need for keeping vigilance.

How Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Affects the Human Brain

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is an unusual but lethal condition of the nervous system that has factors related to the dramatic evolution of its symptoms. It induces destructive phenomena in the brain's tissue, interfering with memory, behaviour, vision, and movement. Unlike the prolonged attack of an ailment such as Alzheimer's, which takes many years before the full-blown symptoms are expressed, the symptoms here reach full-blown grotesqueness within months. Since the onset of these symptoms, most patients do not go beyond a year before dying. Studies are still being conducted on possible early detection avenues, but no cure is currently available.

The Different Types of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

CJD exists in several forms. The most common type is sporadic CJD, which occurs randomly and represents about 85-90% of cases. Variant CJD is linked to the disease of mad cow and develops after consuming infected beef. Another type of CJD hereditary runs in families due to genetic mutations. There is also iatrogenic CJD, which is transmitted through contaminated medical procedures such as corneal transplants or the use of infected surgical instruments. Each type can lead to irreversible brain damage, which is so vital that prevention is crucial.

How Do People Get Mad Cow Disease And CJD?

One of the most alarming facts about mad cow disease is that it can be transmitted to humans through contaminated beef. This CJD (vCJD) variant occurs when a person consumes beef from an infected cow. The causes of mad cow disease in cattle stem from consuming contaminated animal feed. Classic CJD, however, is not linked to beef consumption and can occur randomly or through inherited genetic mutations. Another rare form, iatrogenic CJD, spreads through medical procedures involving infected tissues.

Symptoms That Make These Diseases So Frightening

Both mad cow disease and CJD are terrifying due to their rapid progression and fatal outcomes. Early symptoms may seem mild, such as memory loss, depression, and sleep disturbances. However, as the disease advances, patients experience severe neurological issues, including difficulty walking, muscle stiffness, vision loss, and uncontrollable body movements. The most devastating fact is that once symptoms begin, the disease worsens quickly, leading to coma and death within a year.

Shocking Incidents That Brought Global Attention

The world became aware of the dangers of mad cow disease in the 1990s when an outbreak in the United Kingdom led to the deaths of hundreds of people. The revelation that humans could contract vCJD from consuming infected beef sent shockwaves across the globe. Governments immediately banned certain animal feed products and implemented strict regulations to prevent further outbreaks. Although the number of cases has significantly declined, sporadic CJD cases still occur worldwide.

Why There Is No Cure for These Diseases

One of the most distressing aspects of these diseases is that there is no cure. The treatment for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease mainly focuses on easing symptoms and providing comfort to the patient. Medications like pain relievers and muscle relaxers may help with symptoms, but they do not stop the disease from progressing. Research continues, but due to the unique nature of prions, developing a cure remains a challenge. Scientists are exploring potential therapies, but currently, all cases of CJD and mad cow disease are fatal.

Can Mad Cow Disease Be Prevented?

While there is no cure, preventive measures have been implemented to reduce the risk of spreading mad cow disease. Strict regulations on animal feed and meat processing have been implemented worldwide. Hospitals and medical professionals follow rigorous sterilization procedures to prevent iatrogenic CJD. Hunters are also advised to test wild game meat for prion diseases like chronic wasting (CWD) before consuming it. These preventive efforts have significantly reduced new cases, but complete eradication remains difficult.

The Importance of Food Safety Regulations

Governments worldwide have implemented strict food safety laws to prevent another mad cow disease outbreak. The use of animal remains in cattle feed has been banned, and rigorous screening procedures are in place to detect infected animals before they enter the food supply. Additionally, hunters are advised to avoid consuming meat from sick or dead animals, as similar prion diseases affect deer and elk. These regulations play a crucial role in protecting public health.

Final Thoughts on This Mysterious Disease

Mad cow disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are rare but deadly conditions that continue to fascinate and terrify scientists. Despite significant advancements in disease prevention, the risk remains. Understanding the causes of mad cow disease and how CJD affects the brain can help raise awareness and encourage research efforts for potential treatments. Until a cure is found, prevention and vigilance regarding food safety and medical procedures are the best defenses.