BSE, or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, is a progressive neurological disease that affects cattle. It is caused by misfolded proteins called prions, which lead to brain damage and characteristic symptoms such as changes in behavior, coordination issues, and eventually death. BSE is often referred to as "mad cow disease." The disease gained significant attention in the 1980s and 1990s due to its link to a variant form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, which can occur when people consume infected beef products. As a result, many countries implemented strict regulations to control the spread of BSE and ensure food safety.