'Mad cow disease' case confirmed on Dumfries farm
It's the second case of the disease in Scotland this year.
Last updated 6th Dec 2024
A case of BSE has been confirmed in a cow on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway.
The case of 'mad cow disease', as it's commonly known, was identified through routine tests at the farm.
It's the second outbreak this year, the last coming from a farm in Ayrshire in May, which was the first in Scotland since 2018.
Atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is a brain disease of cattle for which there is no treatment. It is confirmed after the death of the animal by examining its brain tissue.
Precautionary movement restrictions have been put in place at the farm and over any animals which have been in contact with the case.
Further investigations to identify the origin of the disease are ongoing.
How the case was identified
The case was identified as a result of routine tests, 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.
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."
“There are strict controls in place."
Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: “The fast detection of this case is proof that our surveillance system is doing its job.
“We 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."
Ian McWatt, Deputy Chief Executive of Food Standards Scotland, said: “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 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.”
The owners of the affected animals are working with authorities on next steps.