BSE: Science & research - Signs of BSE - Neurological and behavioural studies
TSEs affect the brain and central nervous system resulting in behavioural changes. These behavioural signs provide the first indication for livestock managers and veterinarians in the field to identify animals that are potentially infected with BSE.
Early research funded by MAFF looked at classifying the timeline of behavioural changes by observing the frequency and intensity of certain activities (such as feeding and reaction to humans) in BSE-infected animals compared to control animals suffering from neurological conditions other than BSE.
Most cattle with BSE show a gradual development of signs over a period of several weeks, or even months, although some can deteriorate very rapidly. Most BSE cases will show at least one of the following signs – apprehension, hypersensitivity to touch or sound, weakness of the legs (although some of these signs may also be seen in other diseases).
Summary of possible signs of BSE:
- change in behaviour;
- apprehension or nervousness (flighty);
- repeated, exaggerated reactions to touch or sound;
- weakness or high stepping of the legs, particularly the hind legs;
- reluctance to cross concrete or drains/turn corners/enter yards/go through doorways/permit milking;
- (occasionally) aggressive to cattle and humans;
- manic kicking when milked;
- head shy, with head held low;
- difficulty in rising, progressing to recumbency;
- tremors under the skin;
- loss of body condition, weight or milk yield;
- excessive nose licking.
The Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) website contains detailed information about the clinical signs of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in cattle (including video clips and a DVD).
Pagepublished: 26 November, 2007