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 animalsin 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.
BSE has been a notifiable disease by law since 1988. If you suspect a case of BSE in your herd, contact your local Animal Health Divisional Office, who can advise you of the procedures for notification, disposal and compensation.
Latest news
8 August 2008 - The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (England) Regulations 2008 come into force today. The Information Bulletin and the Summary of Responses are available.
17 June 2008 - Information bulletin: World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) grants UK 'controlled' BSE risk status.
8 May 2008 - Supplementary Consultation: A supplementary consultation exercise for the proposed Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (England) Regulations 2008 is launched today. The closing date for comments is 26 June 2008.
3 April 2008 - Consultation: The consultation exercise for the proposed Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (England) Regulations 2008 is launched today. The closing date for comments is 26 June 2008.
Page last modified:
8 August, 2008