Farmer left "heartbroken" by mad cow disease diagnosis in herd

An Aberdeenshire farmer's expressed his heartbreak - after one of his cows was diagnosed with BSE.

It's the first case of mad cow disease in Scotland for a decade - with at least 4 more of Thomas Jackson's animals to be destroyed as a precaution.

He's this afternoon issued a statement through NFU Scotland - saying it's been "personally devastating" for his family.

The Scottish Government’s mounted an investigation into how it happened – and the farmer’s been told not to transport any livestock. This is standard procedure for a confirmed case of classical BSE. We’re being assured there is no risk to human health.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“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.”

Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said:

“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.”

All animals over four years of age that die on farm are routinely tested for BSE. Whilst the disease is not directly transmitted from animal to animal, its cohorts, including calves, have been traced and isolated, and will be destroyed in line with EU requirements.

Andrew McCornick, President of NFU Scotland commented: “It is disappointing to learn of this BSE case within the Aberdeenshire area. Whilst we lose our negligible risk status, it is not unexpected to see a new case and demonstrates the efficacy of the surveillance measures in place. This simply brings us back in line with the rest of Great Britain, reverting back to where we were 18 months ago.

“When Scotland applied for BSE negligible risk status it was with the full knowledge that there was every possibility of a sporadic case of BSE emerging as has been the case in France and Ireland."

It's understood the farm concerned is in Huntly.