Case of 'mad cow disease' confirmed on Dumfries and Galloway farm

A case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), which is commonly known as mad cow disease, has been identified on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway.

The Scottish Government confirmed that the BSE case, which is an always fatal neurodegenerative disease, was found during routine surveillance

The disease can spread to humans if the contaminated meat is eaten; however, the animal did not enter the food chain and there is no risk to humans.

Precautionary movement restrictions are in place on the offspring of the animal and its “cohort” at the impacted premises. They will put down as part of the legal requirements when dealing with the condition.

An investigation is under way to identify the origin of the disease.

The owners of the affected animals are working with authorities on next steps.

Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said: “Following confirmation of a case of classical BSE in Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Government and other agencies acted swiftly and decisively to protect the agriculture sector.

“The fact we identified this isolated case so quickly is clear proof that our surveillance system for detecting this type of disease is working effectively.

“I want to thank the animal’s owner for their diligence. Their swift action allowed us to identify and isolate the case immediately, minimising its impact on the wider industry.”

It is believed that this is the first case of mad cow disease detected in Scotland since 2024, which was also found at a farm in Dumfries and Galloway.