Health authorities confirmed an atypical case of mad cow disease (BSE) on a farm in Essex, prompting the culling of the infected animal. Officials reassured the public, stating no health risk exists and emphasizing that atypical BSE is a non-contagious condition found sporadically across cattle populations. Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss noted that the case was detected through routine surveillance, demonstrating the effectiveness of monitoring systems. Similar swift actions were noted in previous isolated cases, as highlighted by Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie, who commended the quick response to minimize industry risks.
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.
The fact we identified this isolated case so quickly is proof that our surveillance system for detecting this type of disease is working effectively.
I want to thank the animal's owner for their diligence. Their decisive action has allowed us to identify and isolate the case at speed which has minimised its impact on the wider industry.
#bovine-spongiform-encephalopathy #health-officials #surveillance-systems #animal-health #public-safety
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