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Case of atypical BSE confirmed in Scotland
“The fast detection of this case is proof that our surveillance system is doing its job" – Sheila Voas.
Investigations into the case's origin are ongoing.

A case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been identified in Scotland following routine surveillance.

The case was confirmed in a cow on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway. Movement restrictions have been put in place around the premises and the Animal Plant and Health Agency is investigating the origin of the disease.

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

Atypical BSE is non-contagious, unlike classical BSE. Before this current case, the most recent case of atypical BSE in the UK had been confirmed on a farm in Cornwall in March 2023. A case of classical BSE was detected on a farm in Ayrshire earlier this year.

Sheila Voas, chief veterinary officer of Scotland, said: “The fast detection of this case is proof that our surveillance system is doing its job.

“We are working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency and other partners to identify where the disease came from.

“I want to reassure both farmers and the public that this is an isolated case and of the aytypical strain of BSE which is not transmissible and not connected to contaminated feed. But, if any farmers are concerned, I would urge them to seek veterinary advice."

Elizabeth Mullineaux, president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), added: "Vets in Scotland should refer to the government’s BSE guidance on the clinical signs and how to report any suspicious cases.”

The Scottish government's BSE guidance can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."