Overview

• A single case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed on a farm in Essex, marking the fourth such case in the UK since 2015.
• The affected cow was humanely culled and did not enter the food chain, ensuring no risk to public health or food safety, according to the Food Standards Agency.
• Atypical BSE is a non-contagious, spontaneously occurring disease distinct from classical BSE, which was linked to contaminated feed during the 1990s epidemic.
• Officials emphasize that the UK’s routine surveillance system effectively detected and contained the case, preserving the country’s 'controlled' BSE risk status and export capabilities.
• The World Organisation for Animal Health and trading partners have been informed, with no impact on the UK’s beef export market.