Watch Cows, Cash & Cover-ups? Investigating vCJD

As the name suggests, Cows, Cash & Cover-ups revolves around the scandal of BSE or Mad Cow Disease and its link to vCJD, a fatal human brain disease. The documentary-style movie is directed and produced by Gary Barber and his team, who aim to uncover the truth about the disease, its cause, and the government's role in the crisis. With the help of Ian Reddington, an actor and former farmer, the movie delves into the history of BSE and how it went from being a harmless disease to becoming a fatal condition for humans. The film starts with Ian recalling the days when he was told to feed cow parts to other cows, unknowingly contributing to the spread of BSE.

Various experts including Peter Brown, a geneticist, and Margaret Goodwin, a nutritionist, are interviewed, and they provide a detailed explanation of the science behind BSE and vCJD. They argue that the government was aware of the risks of feeding cows with animal by-products, a practice that was banned in the 1980s, but it failed to inform the public, thereby risking thousands of lives.

The plot takes a dramatic turn when Ian's father is diagnosed with vCJD, and Ian becomes determined to seek justice for all those affected by the disease. He travels to the USA to gather evidence and calls on the government to hold an inquiry into the matter. The movie follows Ian's journey as he meets with other stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, and politicians, all of whom have their opinions on the subject.

The movie highlights the impact of BSE and vCJD on farmers, many of whom lost their livelihoods and their way of life after their herds were culled. Ian also talks about the social stigma surrounding the disease, which made it difficult for families to deal with the disease and support their loved ones.

Throughout the film, Ian's sense of passion and determination is palpable as he seeks to uncover the truth behind what he believes was a monumental cover-up. He's also keen to ensure that regulations are put in place to prevent similar crises from occurring in the future.

Cows, Cash & Cover-ups is a thought-provoking film that tackles a complex and sensitive issue. It raises some significant questions about government and industry accountability and highlights the need for transparency in public health issues. The movie is an eye-opener and a reminder that we cannot take our health for granted, and we need to remain vigilant about the dangers of consuming products that may have detrimental long-term effects.

Overall, the movie presents a powerful testimony about the human cost of the vCJD crisis and its far-reaching impact on people's lives. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in public health issues, especially with diseases with a long incubation period. It's a balanced and objective documentary, and it provides an excellent opportunity for the public to learn and educate themselves about the risks of a disease that affected thousands of lives globally.

Cows, Cash & Cover-ups? Investigating vCJD is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6.