'Devastated' farmer at centre of BSE case calls situation 'heartbreaking'

The disease hasn't appeared in Scotland for over 10 years
The disease hasn't appeared in Scotland for over 10 years

The farmer at the centre of a farm lock down due to a case of BSE, or 'mad cow disease', has said the situation is "heartbreaking".

Boghead Farm in Lumsden, Aberdeenshire has been put in a state of lock down as a case of Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or 'mad cow disease', was confirmed on the property on Thursday (18 October).

Investigators said they are trying to identify the origin of the disease, which has not appeared in Scotland for over 10 years.

Speaking through NFU Scotland, Thomas Jackson, of Boghead farm said: "This has been a very difficult time - we have found the situation personally devastating.

"We have built up our closed herd over many years and have always taken great pride in doing all the correct things.

"To find through the surveillance system in place that one of our cows has BSE has been heartbreaking.

"Since this has happened we have been fully cooperating with all the parties involved and will continue to do so as we, like everyone, want to move forward and clear up this matter.

Mr Jackson added: "The cohorts and offspring of the cow have now been identified and as a purely precautionary measure they will be slaughtered and tested in due course; again we are fully co-operating with all the parties with regards to this."

The disease was discovered in a dead cow following routine tests. The Animal Health Agency (APHA) is investigating the source of the outbreak.

The five year old cattle did not enter the human food chain, and Food Standards Scotland have confirmed there is no risk to human health.

Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas urged farmers who may have concerns to seek veterinary advice.

"While it is too early to tell where the disease came from in this case, its detection is proof that our surveillance system is doing its job.

"We are working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency to answer this question."