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Atypical BSE confirmed on Essex farm
There have been four cases of atypical BSE in the UK since 2015.
Defra says there is no risk to public health.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed a single case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) on a farm in Essex.

The cow had displayed clinical signs of BSE and was humanely culled on the farm.

Following testing completed as part of Defra's routine surveillance programme, the disease was confirmed as atypical BSE. Defra confirms there is no risk to public health or food safety and that, as fallen stock, the animal was not destined to enter the food chain.

BSE is a chronic degenerative disease, which affects the central nervous system of cattle. It is non-contagious and does not spread between animals or holdings.

Classical BSE, first diagnosed in the UK in 1986, is usually linked to contaminated feed.

Atypical BSE, however, occurs in cattle spontaneously. It is occasionally reported in countries with active BSE surveillance programmes.

The most recent case of atypical BSE in the UK was in December 2024 in Scotland. Including this latest case, there have been four cases of atypical BSE in the UK since 2015.

Great Britain's overall risk status for BSE remains 'controlled'.

Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, said: “A single case of atypical BSE has been confirmed on a farm in Essex. The animal died on farm and was tested as part of our strict routine controls and surveillance regime. 

“Atypical BSE is distinct from classical BSE and is a spontaneously and sporadically occurring, non-contagious disease which is believed to occur at a very low level in all cattle populations. This is proof that our surveillance system for detecting and containing this type of disease is working.”

Elizabeth Mullineaux, British Veterinary Association president, said “The fast identification of the disease is testament to a robust veterinary surveillance system that is effective in detecting potential risk.

“We would like to remind vets to refer to the government’s BSE guidance on the clinical signs and how to report any suspicious cases.”

The government’s BSE guidance can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.