Symptoms and Complications
Because BSE damages the brain tissue, it has a variety of symptoms, ranging from behavioral changes to coordination problems. Cows with BSE may show nervousness or aggressive behavior, difficulty with coordination, trouble standing up, decreased milk production, and weight loss. The disease is fatal, with death usually occurring 2 to 6 months after symptoms start.
In humans, both CJD and vCJD are also always fatal conditions, with death occurring 6 to 24 months after symptoms appear.