A CASE of classical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy – otherwise known as “mad cow disease” – has been confirmed on a farm in Ayrshire.
Food Standards Scotland has confirmed that there is no risk to human health as it did not enter the human food chain.“Following confirmation of a case of classical BSE in Ayrshire, the Scottish Government and other agencies took swift and robust action to protect the agriculture sector,” he said.“The fact we identified this isolated case so quickly is proof that our surveillance system for detecting this type of disease is working effectively.
All animals over four years of age that die on farms are routinely tested for BSE under the Scottish Government’s surveillance system. Although the disease is not transmitted directly from animal to animal all of the diseased cow’s cohorts and offspring have been traced, isolated and may be destroyed in line with legal requirements.
“Consumers can be reassured that these important protection measures remain in place and that Food Standards Scotland Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors working in all abattoirs in Scotland will continue to ensure that in respect of BSE controls, the safety of consumers remains a priority.