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BSE case confirmed in Scotland
“The fast detection of this case is proof that our surveillance system is doing its job” – Sheila Voas.
Precautionary measures have been put in place.

A single case of classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed in Scotland.

The disease was detected on a farm in Ayrshire as part of routine surveillance after the animal died. The case has been described by Scotland’s chief veterinary officer as an “isolated” one.

Farmers are being urged to seek veterinary advice if they have any concerns.

As required by UK law, the cohorts and offspring of the infected cow will be humanely culled and the carcasses destroyed.

Movement restrictions have been put in place as a precaution at both the premises where the case was discovered and three other sites - the farm where the animal originated and two farms where cattle have had access to the same feed.

The Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) is investigating the origins of the outbreak. The animal, which was kept for breeding, did not enter the human food chain and Food Standards Scotland have said there is no risk to human health.

The case is the first case of classical BSE in the UK since September 2021 and only the fifth since 2014.

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas said: “The fast detection of this case is proof that our surveillance system is doing its job. We are working closely with the APHA and other partners to identify where the disease came from.

“I want to reassure both farmers and the public that the risk associated with this isolated case is minimal.”

Anna Judson, British Veterinary Association president, said: “While this is clearly concerning for everyone involved in the farming industry and the veterinary profession, it shows that the comprehensive and robust veterinary surveillance system is effective in detecting potential risk, enabling the authorities to put in place appropriate precautionary measures.”

Image © Shutterstock

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FIVP Practice Matters podcast returns for Series 2

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced that its podcast, FIVP Practice Matters, will be returning for a second series next year.

The bi-weekly podcast will return on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 with an episode on sustainability with Alison Lambert. The second series will include a range of new and familiar guests sharing veterinary initiatives and news from independent practices.

The podcast is available on Spotify and will now also be released on Apple Podcasts. More details about FIVP and the podcast can be found on its website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Further cases of H5N1 confirmed in Norfolk

APHA has officially confirmed that two more cases of H5N1 have been found on premises in Norfolk.

Testing confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was present at premises near Attleborough, as well as premises near Hingham in South Norfolk. The case near Hingham follows a slaughter on suspicion which was declared on 23 December.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been implemented at each premises, and all the poultry on each premises will be humanely culled.

A third case has also been identified near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.

APHA is reminding bird keepers to remain vigilant and follow biosecurity measures to prevent more outbreaks. Details on the current disease control zones and biosecurity guidance can be found on the APHA website.