In cows, this form of the disease is known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or, more commonly, mad cow disease.. Another example of an acquired human prion disease is kuru, which was identified in the South Fore population in Papua New Guinea.n cows, this form of the disease is known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or, more commonly, mad cow disease.. Another example of an acquired human prion disease is kuru, which was identified in the South Fore population in Papua New Guinea.