BSE: Clinical diagnosis and field experiences

The clinical diagnosis 'suspected of having BSE' is difficult. Cows older than 2.5 years, presented to the private veterinary practitioner with disturbed locomotion present for more than 14 days and with no detectable cause, should be investigated with suspicion. Questions on change sin behavior of the animal and during the examination attention on exaggerated responses to handling and sound can give additional information. Notification of suspected cases and gained field experiences are discussed.