Scottish farm in lockdown after 'mad cow disease' detected

The disease has not appeared in Scotland for over 10 years
The disease has not appeared in Scotland for over 10 years

A farm in Aberdeenshire has been put in a state of lock down as a case of BSE, or 'mad cow disease', has been confirmed on the property, the Scottish government has announced.

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

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said a ban on movement has been put in place.

"Following confirmation of a case of classical BSE in Aberdeenshire, I have activated the Scottish Government’s response plan to protect our valuable farming industry, including establishing a precautionary movement ban being placed on the farm," Mr Ewing said.

"While it is important to stress that this is standard procedure until we have a clear understanding of the diseases origin, this is further proof that our surveillance system for detecting this type of disease is working.

"Be assured that the Scottish Government and its partners stand ready to respond to any further confirmed cases of the disease in Scotland," he said.

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."

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

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

In 2015, BSE was confirmed in cattle in Carmarthenshire, Wales following routine tests.

The news follows the lifting of the UK's BSE ban on beef exports to China, announced earlier this year.