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Isolated BSE case confirmed in Ireland
cow
This is Ireland's first case of BSE since 2013 and is likely to result in the loss of its 'negligible risk' status. (stock photo)
OIE expected to reassign 'controlled risk' status

Final test results have confirmed an isolated 'classical' case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the Republic of Ireland.

It is Ireland's first case of BSE since 2013 and is likely to result in the loss of its 'negligible risk' status, which was granted only days before the suspected case was identified.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is expected to reassign Ireland's 'controlled risk' status, which recognises the use of robust control systems, providing a basis for the safe trade in animals and products.

All animals potentially exposed to the BSE agent responsible for this one-off case have been identified, slaughtered, excluded from the food and feed chains, and tested. That is, animals born and reared on the birth-farm one year on either side of the birth date of the affected animal, and her progeny.

All 63 of these animals tested negative for BSE, as did the dam and grand-dam of the infected animals.

In addition, there are no concerns about the integrity of the commercial feed supply chain or the effectiveness of feed control systems.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the identification of classical cases of BSE after the ban on feeding meat and bone meal was implemented is not unprecedented. A falling number of these cases have been identified in Ireland and other countries over the years.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.