Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is a relatively new disease of cattle. It was first recognised and defined in the United Kingdom in November 1986. Over the next few years the epidemic grew considerably and affected all parts of the country but to different degrees. It reached its peak in 1992, when 36,680 cases were confirmed in Great Britain, and since then has shown a steady decline. Further information, including graphs, is available on the statistics pages.
BSE occurs in adult animals in both sexes, typically in animals aged five years and more. It is a neurological disease in which affected animals show signs that include; changes in mental state, abnormalities of posture and movement and of sensation. The clinical disease usually lasts for several weeks and it is invariably progressive and fatal.
Latest news
1 July 2009
- Table valuations for compensation payable during July 2009 in England, for bovine TB, brucellosis, Enzootic Bovine Leukosis and BSE are now available.
21 May 2009
- The BSE Advisory Notes for Farmers (1.1MB) have been revised and updated. Copies are being circulated to cattle keepers in Great Britain by the British Cattle Movement Service. A Welsh language version (1.1MB) is also available.
If you suspect signs of any notifiable disease, you must immediately notify your local Divisional Veterinary Manager who can advise you of the procedures for notification, disposal and compensation.
Page last modified: 1 July, 2009