'No risk to public' after cow dies on Cornwall farm
The animal was found with atypical BSE, a non-contagious form of the disease
We're being told there's no risk to human health after a case of atypical BSE was confirmed on a farm in Cornwall.
Defra says the atypical form of the disease is non-contagious and occurs in all cattle populations.
Atypical BSE is distinct from classical BSE which is linked to infectious feed.
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said, “A single case of atypical BSE on a farm in Cornwall has been confirmed.
"The animal, which was not intended for the human food chain, died on the farm and was tested as part of the strict routine control and surveillance regime.
“Atypical BSE is distinct from classical BSE and is a spontaneously occurring, non-contagious disease which occurs at a very low level in all cattle populations.
"This is proof that our surveillance system for detecting and containing this type of disease is working.”
Dr Darren A Cutts, Head of Meat Hygiene Policy at the Food Standards Agency said, “There is no food safety risk.
"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 Agency Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors working in all abattoirs in England will continue to ensure that in respect of BSE controls, the safety of consumers remains the top priority.”
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