Farmer ‘devastated’ by positive BSE test

Owner’s heartbreak after one cow found to have disease

The Aberdeenshire farmer whose cow tested positive for the first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Scotland in a decade has described the situation as “devastating”.

Thomas Jackson, of Boghead Farm in Lumsden, between Huntly and Alford, has spoken out after one of his five-yearold pedigree Aberdeen-Angus cows tested positive for the disease, commonly known as mad cow disease.

The disease was confirmed as part of routine testing carried out when any cow over the age of four dies on a farm.

It is the first case of BSE in Scotland since 2008.

In a statement issued by farmers’ union NFU Scotland, Mr Jackson said: “This has been a very difficult time for myself and my wife and we have found the situation personally devastating.

“We have built up our closed herd over many years and have always taken great pride in doing all the correct things. To find through the surveillance system in place that one of our cows has BSE has been heart-breaking.

“Since this has happened we have been fully cooperating with all the parties involved and will continue to do so as we like everyone want to move forward and clear up this matter.”

He said the cohorts and offspring of the cow had now been identified and, as a purely precautionary measure, they will be slaughtered and tested in due course. “Again we are fully co-operating with all the parties with regards to this.”

The Scottish Government said precautionary movement restrictions have been put in place at the farm while further investigations are carried out to identify the origin of the disease.

It said the incident did not pose a risk to human health. However, it means Scotland’s BSE risk status has been downgraded from negligible risk status to controlled risk status – the same as in England and Wales.

Risk statuses are applied in reference to how long a country has been free from BSE.

The move back down to controlled risk status is likely to cost the Scottish red meat industry at least £5 million.

A government spokesman last night said the restrictions at Boghead Farm were likely to remain in place until the end of next week, and four other animals from the herd were being slaughtered and tested for the disease in line with protocols.

The spokesman said the Animal and Plant Health Agency was carrying out investigations to determine whether the disease had occurred as a result of a genetic mutation, or if it was caused by an outside source.

He urged farmers to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and to seek veterinary advice if they had concerns.

This was echoed by British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Simon Doherty.

He said: “Any farmer who has concerns should seek immediate advice from their veterinary practice.”

For additional coverage, by farming editor Nancy Nicolson, see today’s Farming Matters supplement.

Picture: Kami Thomson The disease was discovered at Boghead Farm in Aberdeenshire during routine testing.