21.   The disease can lead to blindness, kidney damage, amputation and heart disease.

22.   The disease can lead to scarring of the bone in the joints.

23.   The disease leads to death within five years for half of its victims.

24.   The disease led to development in England of early epidemiological research.

25.   The Hungarian government Thursday banned the import of British beef and beef products because of fears mad cow disease could lead to fatal brain damage in humans.

26.   Though not fatal, the disease often leads to permanent blindness, leaving victims unable to hunt or farm.

27.   Zoos around Europe, fearing the disease could lead to the slaughter of endangered species, also petitioned the European Union for permission to vaccinate if necessary.

28.   In its final stages, the disease leads to massive internal haemorrhaging by attacking the vital organs.