Mad Cow Disease | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Development of Dairy Industry and Food Safety Measures

Dairy Industry Development

• The F286 application ensures the prevention of heat damage to dairy products like ice cream left in a hot car.
• Dairy industry practices are evolving to maintain the quality and safety of dairy products, incorporating methods to prevent heat damage and preserve product integrity.

Importance of Food Safety Measures

• Maintaining clean and sterile packaging is crucial in preventing contamination and ensuring the safety of dairy products.
• Advanced measures are being implemented to safeguard against harmful organisms that could compromise the quality and safety of dairy products.

Human Health Concerns

• The spread of diseases like spongiform encephalopathies poses risks to human health, leading researchers to investigate potential infection sources.
• Researchers are exploring the transmission of diseases from animals to humans, raising concerns about food safety and public health.

Role of Regulations and Quality Control

• Stringent regulations and quality control practices are essential in ensuring the safety and quality of dairy products consumed by the public.
• Continuous monitoring and adherence to safety standards are crucial in mitigating health risks associated with dairy consumption.

Global Market Dynamics

• The global dairy market is influenced by factors such as product quality, market competition, and price fluctuations.
• Developing countries like India are working to enhance the quality of dairy products to compete effectively in the global market and address price fluctuations.

Disease Management and Animal Welfare

• Diseases like spongiform encephalopathies require strict management practices to prevent their spread and ensure animal welfare.
• Efforts are made to detect and manage diseases in livestock to safeguard both animal health and food safety.

Technological Advancements in Food Production

• Technological innovations play a significant role in improving food production practices and enhancing the safety and quality of dairy products.
• Continuous advancements in technology help in monitoring, processing, and packaging dairy products more effectively, ensuring consumer safety.
• Background on BSE:
  • The outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as "mad cow disease," raised concerns globally due to its potential impact on human health.
  • BSE is a neurodegenerative disease that affects cattle and has been linked to the consumption of contaminated feed containing animal byproducts.
  • There is speculation that BSE might be transmissible to humans through the ingestion of infected meat products, particularly the brain and spinal cord tissues of cattle.
  • Research suggests that a significant dosage of the infectious agent is required for transmission to occur, highlighting the potential risks associated with the disease.
• Impact on Dairy Industry:
  • The BSE crisis led to a significant decline in consumer confidence in beef and dairy products, especially in regions heavily affected by the disease.
  • Many countries, including major dairy producers like India, faced challenges in maintaining export markets and ensuring food safety standards.
  • Strict regulations and precautionary measures were implemented to prevent the spread of BSE and safeguard public health.
  • The dairy industry had to adapt to stricter quality control measures and surveillance protocols to detect and prevent the spread of BSE within cattle populations.

Global Response and Trade Impact

• The World Trade Organization (WTO) played a crucial role in addressing trade concerns related to BSE by facilitating discussions and agreements among member countries.
• Countries affected by BSE had to comply with international standards to regain access to global markets and restore consumer trust in their dairy products.
• Trade negotiations involved commitments to reduce domestic support, eliminate trade barriers, and enhance transparency in the dairy trade to prevent future crises.
• Efforts to harmonize regulations and establish uniform standards helped mitigate the economic impact of BSE on the dairy industry and foster international cooperation in food safety.

Future Outlook and Lessons Learned

• The BSE crisis underscored the importance of proactive risk management and surveillance in preventing the spread of infectious diseases in livestock and food products.
• Dairy producers and regulatory authorities continue to prioritize food safety measures and traceability systems to ensure the integrity of dairy supply chains.
• Technological advancements in disease monitoring and detection have improved the industry's ability to respond swiftly to potential threats and safeguard public health.
• Collaborative efforts between governments, industry stakeholders, and international organizations are essential in addressing emerging challenges and promoting sustainable practices in the dairy sector.

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and its Potential Human Transmission

Overview of BSE Safeguards 

• If certain precautions are in place, such as avoiding tissues known to harbor the BSE agent like beef brain and spinal cord, the risk to humans from consuming beef muscle tissue seems minimal. 
• Made-up meat products like beefburgers, devoid of banned tissues for human consumption, pose no significant BSE risk if proper precautions are taken.

Perspective on BSE Transmission to Humans 

• While concerns exist about the potential transmission of BSE to humans through food, no conclusive evidence supports this theory. - Researchers emphasize the need for continued investigation into the possibility of BSE affecting humans.

Human Diseases Similar to BSE 

Kuru: 

• A fatal neurological disease once prevalent among a tribe in New Guinea due to ritual cannibalism practices. 
•  Exposure to specific body parts during mourning ceremonies increased the risk of developing the disease. 
• The decline in kuru cases followed the abandonment of ritual cannibalism by the tribe. 

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): 

• A rare condition, affecting a very small percentage of the global population. 
• Instances have occurred due to exposure to CJD-infected tissues or through medical procedures involving infected materials. 
• Some cases linked to the inadvertent use of hormones or tissue from CJD-infected individuals. By implementing stringent safety measures and understanding diseases like BSE, Kuru, and CJD, we can work towards minimizing risks associated with these conditions and enhancing public health awareness.