Case of mad cow disease confirmed on UK farm

A case of mad cow disease has been confirmed on a farm in the United Kingdom.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Oct 2018, 12:38 GMT
Updated 19th Oct 2018, 04:02 GMT
British beef was banned from being exported to the E.U. for 10 years when mad cow disease gripped the nation back in 1996.British beef was banned from being exported to the E.U. for 10 years when mad cow disease gripped the nation back in 1996.
British beef was banned from being exported to the E.U. for 10 years when mad cow disease gripped the nation back in 1996.

The Scottish Government have confirmed the case of BSE on a farm in Aberdeenshire.

A prevention response plan has been put in place following the case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as Mad Cow Disease.

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Precautionary movement restrictions have been put in place at the farm, while further investigations to identify the origin of the disease occur.

This is standard procedure for a confirmed case of classical BSE, which does not represent a threat to human health.

Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Following confirmation of a case of classical BSE in Aberdeenshire, I have activated the Scottish Government’s response plan to protect our valuable farming industry, including establishing a precautionary movement ban being placed on the farm.

“While it is important to stress that this is standard procedure until we have a clear understanding of the diseases origin, this is further proof that our surveillance system for detecting this type of disease is working. Be assured that the Scottish Government and its partners stand ready to respond to any further confirmed cases of the disease in Scotland.”

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Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: “While it is too early to tell where the disease came from in this case, its detection is proof that our surveillance system is doing its job. We are working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency to answer this question, and in the meantime, I would urge any farmer who has concerns to immediately seek veterinary advice.

Ian McWatt, Director of Operations in Food Standards Scotland said: “There are strict controls in place to protect consumers from the risk of BSE, including controls on animal feed, and removal of the parts of cattle most likely to carry BSE infectivity.

“Consumers can be reassured that these important protection measures remain in place and that Food Standards Scotland Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors working in all abattoirs in Scotland will continue to ensure that in respect of BSE controls, the safety of consumers remains a priority. We will continue to work closely with Scottish Government, other agencies and industry at this time.”

This story first appeared on the website of our sister title, The Scotsman.

Related topics:Scottish GovernmentFergus EwingAberdeenshireSheila VoasFood Standards Scotland