Scottish beef officially free of BSE risk after 21 years

SCOTTISH beef has today been declared ‘risk free’ from BSE for the first time since the outbreak in 1996.

Scotland has had no reported cases of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, since 2009.

A ban on exports of meat from cows raised in Scotland and Northern Ireland was lifted across in the EU in 2006.

But now the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has recognised that the BSE risk is at ‘negligible risk’, the safest level available.

England and Wales continue to be recognised as having controlled risk BSE status.

Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing said it is hoped the reclassification will see a boost in export sales in Asia. He added: ‘This is a landmark day for our red meat sector, with Scotland achieving the lowest possible risk status for BSE – negligible risk.

‘This is reward for years of hard work from the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, producers, our red meat businesses, vets and this government, all of whom have worked tirelessly to build a failsafe system which protects our animal and public health.

‘Scotland’s meat exports are currently thriving and this certification stands us in good stead for our exporters to increase Scottish Beef exports even further.’

Frank Clark, president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, said: ‘The support given to the industry’s case by the Cabinet Secretary and his officials has been invaluable, delivering a major advance for our industry and a boost for member companies.’

‘Landmark day for sector’