A SINGLE case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed in a cow on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway.
Precautionary movement restrictions have been put in place at the impacted premises. They cover animals which have been in contact with the case.
The owners of the affected animals are working with authorities on next steps and further investigations to identify the origin of the disease, known as mad cow disease, are ongoing.
Scottish Government officials say the case was identified as a result of routine and intensive BSE surveillance and stringent control measures.
They have given reassurances that there is no risk to public health and say the animal did not enter the human food chain.
Food Standards Scotland have also confirmed there is no risk to human health as a result of the 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.”
Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas added: “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.”
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