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
28 January 2010
- Information bulletin: Compensation for Bovine TB, BSE, Brucellosis, and Enzootic Bovine Leukosis.
24 November 2009
- A leaflet (PDF) has been published which sets out the BSE testing requirements for cattle imported into the United Kingdom. Copies are being circulated to cattle keepers in Great Britain via the British Cattle Movement Service. A Welsh language version (PDF) is also available.
2 September 2009
- The consultation exercise for the proposed Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (England) Regulations 2009 is launched today. The closing date for comments is 2 December 2009.
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: 29 January, 2010