11.   In sick animals or humans, the prion twists into an abnormal shape, often in the brain.

12.   It is difficult for people to catch the disease in nature, though it can be acquired from sick animals or goat hair.

13.   Mead said often the only way the state knows about them is from complaints from consumers who have either witnessed poor conditions during a visit or purchased sick animals.

14.   Sick animals drool excessively, stagger around and lose weight before dying.

15.   Specifically, the cause is always flea bites or direct exposure to a sick animal.

16.   That in turn increases lactation in dairy cows or can help a sick animal recover more quickly, he claims.

17.   Tests for the virus cannot distinguish a sick animal from a vaccinated one.

18.   The new thermometers have made life easier for sick children and are now helping sick animals, too.

19.   They also allege that the Chinese officials are unwilling to provide assistance to sick animals or even to a circus staffer who was bitten by a hungry monkey.