News story

Single case of atypical BSE confirmed on a farm in Cornwall

Atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed on a farm.

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

A single case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed on a farm in Cornwall today (Monday 20 March).

Atypical BSE is not contagious and there is no risk to food safety or human health as a result of this isolated case.

Atypical BSE is a naturally and sporadically occurring non-contagious disease, which is believed to occur in all cattle populations at a very low rate.  Atypical BSE is distinct from classical BSE which is linked to infectious feed.

The animal was routinely tested under the BSE fallen stock survey and was removed from the farm for disposal. This animal, as fallen stock, was not destined for the human food chain and posed no risk to the general public.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

바카라 사이트A single case of atypical바카라 사이트BSE on a farm in Cornwall has been confirmed. The animal, which was not intended for the human food chain, died on the farm and was tested as part of the strict routine control and surveillance regime.

바카라 사이트Atypical BSE is distinct from classical BSE and is a spontaneously occurring, non-contagious disease which occurs at a very low level in all cattle populations. This is proof that our surveillance system for detecting바카라 사이트and containing바카라 사이트this type of바카라 사이트disease is working.바카라 사이트

Dr Darren A Cutts, Head of Meat Hygiene Policy at the Food Standards Agency said:

바카라 사이트There is no food safety risk.  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.

바카라 사이트Consumers can be reassured that these important protection measures remain in place and that Food Standards Agency Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors working in all abattoirs in England will continue to ensure that in respect of BSE controls, the safety of consumers remains the top priority.바카라 사이트

Great Britain바카라 사이트s overall risk status for BSE remains at 바카라 사이트controlled바카라 사이트 and there is no risk to food safety or public health.

In line with international commitments, the World Organisation for Animal Health and trading partners have been informed of the case. This does not affect the UK바카라 사이트s ability to export beef to other countries.

BSE is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence. This applies to pet and small holder animals as well as commercial cattle.

Updates to this page

Published 20 March 2023