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BSE confirmed in Wales
cows
BSE is a progressive, fatal disease of the nervous system in cattle.
Isolated case in dead cow

A single case of classical BSE has been confirmed in a dead cow in Wales.

Rebecca Evans, the Welsh deputy minister for farming and food, said: "The case was identified as a result of the strict control measures we have in place. It did not enter the human food chain and the Food Standards Agency and Public Health Wales have confirmed there is no risk to human health as a result of this isolated case."

The animal's offspring and other cohorts have been traced and isolated. They will be destroyed in line with EU requirements. Ms Evans says the Welsh Government is working alongside Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to investigate the circumstances of this case.

Prior to this, the last Welsh case was recorded in 2013. Sporadic cases have been confirmed across the UK in recent years.

BSE, often referred to as 'mad cow disease' is a progressive, fatal disease of the nervous system in cattle. All animals that die on a farm over the age of four are routinely tested for BSE in Wales. 

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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.