A case of classical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has
been confirmed on a farm in Ayrshire.
Precautionary movement restrictions have been put in place at
impacted premises and cover animals which 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 classical BSE.
The case was identified as a result of routine surveillance and
stringent control measures. The animal did not enter the human
food chain. Food Standards Scotland have confirmed there is no
risk to human health as a result of this isolated case.
The owners of the affected animals are working with authorities
on next steps.
Agriculture Minister said:
“Following confirmation of a case of classical BSE in Ayrshire,
the Scottish Government and other agencies took swift and robust
action to protect the agriculture sector. This included
establishing a precautionary movement ban on the farm.
“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 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 the risk
associated with this isolated case is minimal. 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, 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.”
Background
The Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) is investigating the
source of the outbreak.
All animals over four years of age that die on farm are routinely
tested for BSE under our comprehensive surveillance system.
Whilst the disease is not directly transmitted from animal to
animal, its cohorts, including offspring, have been traced and
isolated, and will be destroyed in line with our legal
requirements.
In addition to the measures we have in place for fallen stock and
animal feed, there is a strict control regime to protect
consumers. This includes the removal of specified risk
material such as the spinal column, brain and skull from
carcasses destined for human consumption.
Movement restrictions have also been put in place at three
further farms – the farm of the animal's origin and two more
holdings where animals that have had access to the same feed are.
