Super Short Summary

Deadly Feasts: Tracking the Secrets of a Terrifying New Plague by Richard Rhodes explores the origins and dangers of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, tracing its history from the Fore people of New Guinea to modern agriculture. Rhodes details how BSE and similar Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) infect both animals and humans, leading to fatal brain damage. Through a scientific lens, the book examines how intensive farming practices contribute to the spread of these diseases and discusses ways to mitigate risks, including improved animal welfare and responsible meat preparation. The narrative, accessible but scientifically detailed, reveals the profound impact of modern diets on health and society. Descriptions of diseases include unsettling details about symptoms and their effects on individuals.