Is Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) transmitted via ingestion of contaminated tissues from an infected cow?

Is Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) transmitted via ingestion of contaminated tissues from an infected cow?

• A. Yes
• B. Only via inhalation
• C. No
• D. Not at all

Answer: (C)

Transmitting BSE relies on prions entering through the digestive system. Prions are concentrated in neural tissues like brain and spinal cord, so when contaminated tissue is ingested — whether by cattle through feed or by humans through food — the prions can cause infection. This is why measures were taken to block the use of infected tissue in animal feed and to reduce exposure in the food chain. Inhalation isn’t a recognized transmission route for BSE, and saying it isn’t transmitted at all would ignore the real risk from contaminated tissues. So, ingestion of contaminated tissues from an infected cow can transmit BSE.

Transmitting BSE relies on prions entering through the digestive system. Prions are concentrated in neural tissues like brain and spinal cord, so when contaminated tissue is ingested — whether by cattle through feed or by humans through food — the prions can cause infection. This is why measures were taken to block the use of infected tissue in animal feed and to reduce exposure in the food chain. Inhalation isn’t a recognized transmission route for BSE, and saying it isn’t transmitted at all would ignore the real risk from contaminated tissues. So, ingestion of contaminated tissues from an infected cow can transmit BSE.