Mad Cow Disease can cause severe symptoms such as personality changes, muscular stiffness, involuntary muscle movements, dementia, and seizures. There is no cure for Mad Cow Disease; however, it can be prevented by not eating products that contain brain tissue. Although rare, another member of the Bovidae family called vvss disease has been linked to human cases of spongy bone disease and mental impairment. This disease can be transmitted from animal to animal through saliva or urine, so avoid coming into contact with animals' feces or penises if possible. In addition to mad cow disease and vvss disease, other transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) can result in cognitive impairment or death. TSEs are diseases of the nervous system that affect both humans and animals. They are usually fatal unless you have a form of TSE that has been diagnosed early enough to allow for treatment. People who are exposed to TSEs may become infected if they eat food contaminated with the virus. In addition, blood products, organs, tissues, and any other part of an affected animal can transmit TSEs to people who receive them via transplant or surgery.