Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)
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to the BSE website. This site is an authoritative source of information
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Background to the disease
BSE is a relatively new disease of cattle. It was first recognised and defined in the United Kingdom in November 1986. Over the next few years the epidemic grew considerably and affected all parts of the country but to different degrees. It reached its peak in 1992, when 36,680 cases were confirmed in Great Britain, and since then has shown a steady decline. Further information, including graphs, is available on the statistics pages.
BSE occurs in adult animals in both sexes, typically in animals aged five years and more. It is a neurological disease in which affected animals show signs that include; changes in mental state, abnormalities of posture and movement and of sensation. The clinical disease usually lasts for several weeks and it is invariably progressive and fatal.
BSE has been a notifiable disease by law since 1988. If you suspect a case of BSE in your herd, contact your local Animal Health Divisional Office, who can advise you of the procedures for notification, disposal and compensation.
Latest news
1 February 2008 - Information bulletin: Compensation for Bovine TB, BSE, Brucellosis and Enzootic Bovine Leukosis.
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Page last modified:
11 February, 2008
Page last reviewed: 10 August, 2006