Mad cow disease, scientifically known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), is a neurological disorder that affects cattle. It is caused by abnormal proteins called prions, which lead to brain damage and changes in behavior, coordination, and movement. Infected cows may exhibit symptoms such as aggression, lack of coordination, and weight loss. Humans can contract a variant of this disease, known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), by consuming contaminated beef products. This has raised significant public health concerns, leading to stricter regulations in the beef industry to prevent the spread of BSE and protect consumers.