May 16, 2024

 

Scotland, UK, imposes movement restrictions following BSE case at Ayrshire farm

 

Movement restrictions have been put in place after a case of classical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) was confirmed on a farm in Ayrshire, Scotland, the United Kingdom.

 

The restrictions introduced at the impacted premises cover animals that have been in contact with the case. Further investigations to identify the origin of the disease are ongoing.

 

The case was identified as a result of routine surveillance and stringent control measures. It has been confirmed that the animals did not enter the human food chain. 

 

Food Standards Scotland also confirmed there is no risk to human health as a result of the isolated case.

 

Scottish Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie 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."

 

Ian McWatt, deputy chief executive of Food Standards Scotland, confirmed that strict controls have been put in place to protect consumers from the risk of BSE, including controls on animal feed and the removal of the parts of cattle most likely to carry BSE infectivity.

 

He added: "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."

 

Movement restrictions have also been put in place at three more farms – one of the animal's origin and two more holdings where animals that have had access to the same feed are currently at.

- Farmers Guide