BSE identified in dead cow in Wales

A case of BSE has been confirmed in a dead cow on a farm in Wales, the Welsh government has confirmed

The animal did not enter the food chain and the Food Standards Agency and Public Health Wales confirmed it was an “isolated case” and there was “no risk to human health”.

The Welsh government and Defra’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) said the case of classical BSE was confirmed in a single deceased bovine on a farm in Wales.

See also: ‘Isolated’ BSE case confirmed in Ireland

There have been a number of sporadic cases of BSE identified across the UK in recent years. The last case recorded in Wales was in 2013.

This case was identified as a result of the strict control measures the two organisations have in place, said Rebecca Evans, deputy food and farming minister for Wales.

She added: “My officials are working closely with Defra and Apha to investigate the circumstances of this case.

“All animals over four years of age that die on a farm are routinely tested for the disease under our comprehensive surveillance system.

“While the disease is not directly transmitted from animal to animal, its cohorts, including offspring, have been traced and isolated, and will be destroyed in line with EU requirements.”

In addition to the measures in place for fallen stock and animal feed, there is a strict control regime to protect consumers.

This includes the removal of “specified risk material” such as the spinal column, brain and skull from carcasses.

Ms Evans said: “Identification of this case demonstrates that the controls we have in place are working well.”

Beef across the UK continues to be produced in compliance with the World Organisation for Animal Health rules.

A spokesman for NFU Cymru said: “The identification of an isolated case such as this is not unexpected and shows the effectiveness of the robust surveillance and control measures that remain in place in Wales.

“Consumers can be reassured that the stringent controls in place ensure the safety of our produce, as confirmed by the statements made by both the Food Standards Agency and Public Health Wales that there is no risk to human health as a result of this isolated case. 

“The traceability and monitoring controls adopted by farmers and the sector already are the most stringent and robust to protect human and animal health, therefore no further action is required by farmers across Wales as a result of today’s announcement.”