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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.”

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Prof Joanne Webster elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

News Story 1
 Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

An infectious disease expert, Prof Webster is known for promoting a One Health approach to disease control.

She completed her doctoral research in zoonotic disease and parasite-host interactions, and has since earned widespread recognition for contributions to parasitology and global health.

Prof Webster said: "I am truly honoured, and somewhat stunned, to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists." 

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News Shorts
Germany FMD import restrictions eased

The UK government has lifted the import restrictions placed on FMD-susceptible commodities from Germany.

The decision comes after the country was recognised as foot-and-mouth disease free without vaccination on 14 May.

Imports of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Germany were originally banned, after the country reported a case of FMD near Brandenburg in January. In March, the UK government permitted imports from outside of the outbreak zone.

Germany will now be able to import FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products into the UK, providing they meet other import conditions.

The decision follows rigorous technical assessment of measures in Germany. Defra says it will not hesitate respond to FMD outbreaks.