Cattle TSE surveillance statistics

Cattle cases found as a result of passive surveillance in Great Britain have been recorded since 1986.

The UK carried out limited active surveillance in cattle from 1999 to 2001. The EU active surveillance programme started in July 2001.

In active surveillance, the criteria for inclusion in the testing programme has changed over the years. From 01 January 2009:

  • cattle over 48 months of age which die or are killed other than for human consumption.
  • cattle over 48 months of age which are emergency slaughtered or show certain abnormalities at ante-mortem inspection.
  • cattle over 48 months slaughtered for human consumption.

This only applies to cattle born in the UK or other EU15 member states.