What Is Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy?

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases are a family of rare progressive neurodegenerative brain disorders that affect both humans and animals. They have long incubation periods, progress rapidly once symptoms develop and are always fatal.

How do you get spongiform encephalopathy?

A cow gets BSE by eating feed contaminated with parts that came from another cow that was sick with BSE. The contaminated feed contains the abnormal prion, and a cow becomes infected with the abnormal prion when it eats the feed. If a cow gets BSE, it most likely ate the contaminated feed during its first year of life.

How do humans get prion disease?

Prion diseases can be transmitted through contaminated medical equipment and nervous tissue. Cases where this has happened include transmission through contaminated cornea transplants or dura mater grafts.