2005 case of H-type BSE in a cow
UK - During routine research carried out by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), test results have revealed a single case of H-type Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the UK in 2005.
10 March 2007
1 minute read
This form of BSE has already been identified in several other European countries in addition to Japan, Canada and the United States of America.
The cow died on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway at 13 years of age. The carcass was sampled and tested for BSE in accordance with EU requirements for testing all fallen stock aged over 24 months. Test results confirmed the presence of BSE. The carcass was incinerated and the offspring from this cow were culled in line with current BSE regulations.
In August 2006 the VLA began a retrospective examination of brain samples taken from previous BSE cases as part of a research programme designed to analyse different types of BSE in the national herd. The aim of the study is to determine whether unusual cases of BSE, had in fact occurred in the UK in the past. The studies are ongoing however this case has been identified as H-type. All forms of BSE are treated identically therefore no additional action would have been required in this case.
The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) will examine all the available data on this case during a discussion of different forms of BSE worldwide at their next meeting on 10 th May 2007.
TheCattleSite News Desk
