BSE Bovine Spongioform Ensephalthapy, (sorry for the spelling), commonly called mad cow disease, is thought to be caused be a rogue prion (protien) that attacks the brain. It is not known how it is transmitted, but feeding animals to animals is generally accepted as the cause.
The other BSE is a breeding soundness evaluation, or a semen test.
Jason Trowbridge Southern Angus Farms Alberta Canada