BSE discovery ‘nightmare’ for farming sector

Beef ‘still safe’ despite shock confirmation of first Scottish outbreak of ‘mad cow disease’ in 10 years

INVESTIGATIONS are under way after a case of BSE was identified at an Aberdeenshire farm a decade since it was last confirmed in Scotland.

Restrictions are in place at the farm in Lumsden, near Huntly, while the source of the disease is established.

Last night the case was described as a “nightmare” for farmers, as countries such as China have only this year started to lift bans on certain Scottish meat products.

Industry leaders and the Scottish Government have, however, stressed there are no risks to the public and it is hoped the case will prove to be an isolated one.

It is believed the infected animal was a five-year-old pedigree Aberdeen Angus cow.

Politicians rallied in support of the farmer and also called for a transparent investigation to reassure the public.

Farmer Charlie Adam, livestock committee chairman for NFU Scotland, said: “Beef is still safe. The necessary checks are in place whatever our BSE status and we are acting accordingly.”

Nonetheless, farmer and North East MSP Peter Chapman said the announcement was “a huge blow” to the industry after so many BSE-free years.

Farm leaders have been quick to reassure consumers of the safety of Scottish beef after a case of BSE was confirmed on an Aberdeenshire farm. It is the first time in a decade the disease has been detected in Scotland.

But despite it being described as a “nightmare” for farmers, the Scottish Government and industry leaders last night stressed consumers had nothing to worry about.

The latest case was found as part of routine testing, carried out when any cow over the age of four dies on a farm.

It is believed the infected animal was a fiveyear-old pedigree Aberdeen Angus cow on a farm in the Lumsden area, between Huntly and Alford.

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.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Following confirmation of a case of classical BSE in Aberdeenshire, I have activated the Scottish Government’s response plan to protect our valuable farming industry, including establishing a precautionary movement ban being placed on the farm.

“While it is important to stress that this is standard procedure until we have a clear understanding of the diseases origin, this is further proof that our surveillance system for detecting this type of disease is working. Be assured that the Scottish Government and its partners stand ready to respond to any further confirmed cases of the disease in Scotland.”

Last night politicians were united in their support of the farmer affected and also called for as transparent an investigation as possible to reassure the public there are no wider health risks.

Colin Clark, Gordon MP and a former cattle farmer, said: “I have spoken to the Scottish minister responsible and I am assured that the Scottish Government has a contingency plan they can put in place and that local authorities also have the situation under control.

“This is very disappointing for the farming family involved and, having been a cattle farmer myself, this is everybody’s worst nightmare.”

Farmer and North East MSP Peter Chapman said: “Firstly, I would like to express my sympathy to the farmer involved and their family.

“I recognise that, after having been BSE-free for so many years, this will be a huge blow to the Scottish beef industry.

“However, I understand that precautionary movement have been put in place at the farm, and that further investigations are ongoing. There is therefore no reason to suspect that this has entered the food chain.

Lewis Macdonald MSP, who also represents the north-east, added: “Clearly what is important is to ensure there is no wider impact and the public are kept fully informed of how this case is handled and the findings of the investigation.

“This will also have a big impact on the farmer involved and it’s important they get the support they need.”

Aberdeenshire farmer Charlie Adam, who is livestock committee chairman for farmers’ union NFU Scotland (NFUS), said consumers had nothing to worry about.

He said: “Beef is still safe. The necessary checks are in place whatever our BSE status and we are acting accordingly. It’s no bigger a concern today than it was yesterday. We have extremely high standards of meat safety and nothing has changed.”

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas said: “While it is too early to tell where the disease came from in this case, its detection

is proof that our surveillance system is doing its job.

“We are working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency to answer this question, and in this meantime, I would urge any farmer who has concerns to immediately seek veterinary advice.”

Quality Meat Scotland chairwoman Kate Rowell said: “The identification of this isolated case, after such a long period without any confirmed cases in Scotland, offers reassurance that the prevention response plan and surveillance systems in place are working effectively.”

Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers executive manager Martin Morgan said while the news was disappointing, it did not mean any health risks.

He said: “We remain extremely upbeat about the Scottish beef industry, and our ability to compete strongly in the global meat market.”