UKÜ professor warns about “mad cow” disease (BSE) risk and recommends avoiding internal organs

On September 4, 2025, Professor Halil Resmi of the Faculty of Medicine at the International Cyprus University (UKÜ) issued a scientific warning about Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). According to UKÜ’s press office, Resmi noted that the disease is transmitted via prions — defective proteins that cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system.

Professor Resmi linked certain forms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans to infections similar in mechanism to BSE in cattle. He emphasized the importance of avoiding consumption of high-risk animal products, primarily brain, internal organs, and other potentially contaminated parts.

Resmi also noted that combating BSE goes beyond medicine and requires strict veterinary oversight: monitoring animal health, slaughter supervision, and adherence to handling rules for animal by-products are critical for public health. According to him, effective monitoring reduces the risk of contaminated products entering the food chain.

For residents of Northern Cyprus, practical recommendations are simple: purchase meat from verified suppliers and places under official veterinary control, avoid consuming brain and internal organs of animals of unknown origin, and report sick animals to relevant authorities. Additional information and official guidance should be obtained from local veterinary and sanitary authorities.