Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

[[File:Histology BSE.jpg|thumb|200px|right|This micrograph of brain tissue reveals the cytoarchitectural histopathologic changes found in bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The presence of vacuoles, i.e. microscopic “holes” in the grey matter, gives the brain of BSE-affected cows a sponge-like appearance when tissue sections are examined in the lab.]]

[[File:Histology bse.jpg|thumb|200px|right|This micrograph of brain tissue reveals the cytoarchitectural histopathologic changes found in bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The presence of vacuoles, i.e. microscopic “holes” in the grey matter, gives the brain of BSE-affected cows a sponge-like appearance when tissue sections are examined in the lab.]]

BSE was first recognised in the United Kingdom in 1986 after a huge epidemic in the UK involving over 100,000 diseased cattle. With the exception of France and Portugal, the number of infected animals in other countries has remained low. The disease is now worldwide and has occurred in Europe, Asia, Middle East and North America.  

BSE was first recognised in the United Kingdom in 1986 after a huge epidemic in the UK involving over 100,000 diseased cattle. With the exception of France and Portugal, the number of infected animals in other countries has remained low. The disease is now worldwide and has occurred in Europe, Asia, Middle East and North America.