posted 05-07-2001 01:18 PM
(Ananova)
German ostriches may have mad cow disease Ostriches are thought to be dying of mad cow disease in Germany.
The birds have developed BSE type symptoms after being fed animal bonemeal, which is blamed for causing the disease in cows.
German newspaper Die Zeit reports that the symptoms were seen in ostriches in various zoos.
The paper says Britain's Ministry of Agriculture has ordered research to be conducted into the possible transmission of BSE from cattle to birds.
Vets at a Hanover college who examined the brains of the affected animals reported that they found the same kind of holes in the ostrich brains as were found in BSE-infected cattle.
Other experts have dismissed any transmission of BSE to birds. No BSE cases have been reported from commercial ostrich farms - because their animals are slaughtered before they are old enough to develop the illness.
Ostriches in zoos can live for 20 years or so while those bred for their meat are killed when they reach about 15 months.
Last updated: 17:36 Monday 7th May 2001