Single case of BSE disease confirmed in Scotland
6th December 2024
A single case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed in a cow on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
Precautionary movement restrictions have been put in place at impacted premises and cover animals that have been in contact with the case. Further investigations to identify the origin of the disease are ongoing.
This is standard procedure for a confirmed case of atypical BSE.The case was identified as a result of our routine yet intensive BSE surveillance, and stringent control measures are in place.
Atypical BSE is not known to be a risk to public health, and the animal did not enter the human food chain.
Food Standards Scotland has confirmed there is no risk to human health as a result of this isolated case.
An isolated case
The owners of the affected animals are working with authorities on next steps.
Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said: “Following confirmation of a case of atypical BSE in Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Government and other agencies took swift and robust action to protect the agriculture sector.“
“The fact we identified this isolated case so quickly is proof that our surveillance system for detecting this type of disease is working effectively.
“I want to thank the animal’s owner for their diligence. Their decisive action has allowed us to identify and isolate the case at speed, which has minimised its impact on the wider industry.”
Chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas added: “The fast detection of this case is proof that our surveillance system is doing its job.“
Ms Voas confirmed that they are working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and other partners to identify where the disease came from.
“I want to reassure both farmers and the public that this is an isolated case and of the atypical strain of BSE, which is not transmissible and not connected to contaminated feed.
“But, if any farmers are concerned, I would urge them to seek veterinary advice,” she concluded.
Food Standards Scotland confirmed that there are strict controls in place to protect consumers from the risk of BSE, and consumers can be reassured that these important protection measures remain in place.
The Animal Plant and Health Agency is investigating the source of the disease.
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