{"id":12877,"date":"2024-05-13T15:27:47","date_gmt":"2024-05-13T15:27:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/?p=12877"},"modified":"2026-05-25T09:43:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T09:43:10","slug":"mad-cow-disease-bse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-uk\/blog\/mad-cow-disease-bse\/","title":{"rendered":"Mad Cow Disease (BSE), what you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Farmer Guide<\/div>\n\n

BSE in cattle: what farmers need to know<\/h1>\n\n

\n Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, remains a notifiable disease in the UK.\n While cases are rare, ongoing vigilance, accurate records, and strict controls are essential to protect herd health.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Notifiable disease<\/span>\n Cattle health<\/span>\n Movement compliance<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n 1<\/span>\n Affects the central nervous system<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 2<\/span>\n Spread through contaminated feed<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 3<\/span>\n Typically appears later in life<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 4<\/span>\n Strict reporting and movement rules apply<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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What is BSE?<\/h2>\n\n

\n Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, is a fatal disease that affects cattle.\n It attacks the central nervous system and leads to progressive neurological symptoms.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Although cases are now rare due to strict controls, surveillance remains in place across the UK.\n When a suspected or confirmed case is identified, precautionary movement restrictions are typically applied to the affected farm\n and any linked holdings as part of standard control measures.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Symptoms of BSE<\/h2>\n\n

\n Symptoms of BSE develop gradually over time and may be subtle at first. Farmers should be aware of behavioural changes\n and physical signs that worsen over weeks or months.\n <\/p>\n\n