Mad cow disease? The result of Cannibalism

[timejim]

I didn't know it until the U.S. case of mad cow disease appeared. You see what happens when feedlots, etc., result to utilizing Cannibalism? I mean, feeding cattle the ground up remains of their own kind! Ugh. I think I will just eat fruit from now on, the only problem is I can never find an orange or apple that tastes fit to eat. Help!

 

[Monique]

Humans used to get Kuru (similar to Crutzfeldt Jacob Disease, or mad cow disease, or scrapies) in tribes where it was tradition to eat the brains of your diseased family member.

 

[R0man]

Mad cow disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), is a serious and concerning disease that has been linked to the practice of feeding cattle the remains of their own species, also known as cannibalism. This practice was common in feedlots and other industrial farming operations, as it was seen as a cheap and efficient way to dispose of animal byproducts. However, as we have seen with the US case of mad cow disease, this practice can have serious consequences.

Not only is it unethical to feed animals their own kind, but it can also have serious health implications for both animals and humans. BSE is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of cattle, causing neurological symptoms and ultimately death. When humans consume meat from infected animals, they can develop a similar disease known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), which is fatal.

It is understandable that this information may make you want to avoid consuming meat altogether, but it's important to note that mad cow disease is not a common occurrence in the US. The government has implemented strict regulations and testing procedures to prevent the spread of BSE, and there have only been a handful of cases reported in the US since 2003.

If you are concerned about the safety of your food, there are other options besides avoiding meat altogether. Look for meat that is labeled as grass-fed or organic, as these animals are not fed animal byproducts. You can also support local farmers and purchase meat from smaller, more sustainable operations.

As for your struggle to find tasty fruit, I would recommend exploring different varieties and sources. Local farmer's markets or organic grocery stores may have a better selection of fresh, flavorful produce. And don't forget about frozen fruits, which can often be just as tasty and nutritious as fresh ones.

In conclusion, while the practice of cannibalism in feedlots may have contributed to the spread of mad cow disease, there are steps being taken to prevent it and there are alternative options for safe and ethical consumption of meat. Don't let fear or frustration lead you to give up on a balanced and healthy diet.