New case of Mad Cow Disease (BSE) found on Scottish Farm

A case of Mad Cow disease (also known as BSE) has been found in Scotland. 

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The Scottish Government has confirmed that a case of BSE, also known as mad cow disease, has been found on a farm in Aberdeenshire.

Officials have implemented precautionary movement restrictions at the farm, while they undertake further investigations to identify the origin of the disease. It has been confirmed that this is a confirmed case of classical BSE, which does not represent a threat to human health.

In a statement to Sky News, Fergus Ewing, Scotland's farming minister said: "Following confirmation of a case of classical BSE in Aberdeenshire, I have activated the Scottish government's response plan to protect our valuable farming industry, including establishing a precautionary movement ban being placed on the farm.

“The Animal Health Agency (APHA) is investigating the source of the outbreak.

“The case was identified as a result of strict control measures we have in place.

“It did not enter the human food chain and Food Standards Scotland have confirmed there is no risk to human health as a result of this isolated case.”

BSE was first reported in the United Kingdom in 1986 and experienced an unprecedented peak in 1993 when almost 1,000 new cases were being identified and reported. Contaminated meat and cattle products were presumed to be the source of this outbreak.