Temporal and spatial dynamics of bovine spongiform encephalopathy prevalence in Akmola Province, Kazakhstan: Implications for disease management and control

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, is a fatal neurological disorder in cattle attributed to abnormal brain protein aggregation. This disease presents multifaceted challenges, encompassing public health concerns due to potential transmission to humans, challenging disease control in cattle, and economic impacts on the livestock industry and global trade. Understanding the complex science of prion diseases like BSE is essential for managing and preventing its spread. We conducted a comprehensive investigation into BSE prevalence over the past decade in Akmola Province to analyse its temporal and spatial dynamics. The study explores the progression of BSE from its introduction into the cattle population to the establishment of enzootic equilibrium, highlighting the impact of control measures and key determinants influencing prevalence growth. Our findings offer valuable insights into the spatiotemporal patterns of BSE prevalence and its implications for disease management.