Research and analysis

BSE in England: epidemiology report 2021

An epidemiological report on the classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) case in Somerset, England, in 2021

• From: Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Published: 16 December 2021

Applies to England

Documents

Report on the epidemiological investigation of a single BSE case in Somerset, England

PDF, 1.22 MB, 54 pages

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Details

In September 2021, the Chief Veterinary Officer and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed a case of classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Somerset, England.

This case was identified through the UK active surveillance system, as required by UK legislation. It is the first case of classical BSE since 2018 to be confirmed in the UK.

The animal involved died in farm and was tested for BSE as part of the BSE controls, it was not destined to the food chain. Therefore, there has been no risk to food safety or public health.

This report summarises the epidemiological investigations carried out in order to describe and explain this BSE case.

These detailed investigations have concluded that the most likely source of this incident is residual material remaining in a pre-1996 silo, that is, a silo in use before the introduction of the reinforced feed ban. The silo has been decommissioned.

The investigations have not detected any evidence or cause for concern that statutory official controls have been breached at any point in relation to this case or its herd of origin. The recommended actions will contain any further potential exposure to cattle.

Published 16 December 2021