BSE: New case of Mad Cow Disease confirmed on UK farm

Restrictions have been put in place at the unnamed farm as an investigation is carried out into the source of the animal disease Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, more commonly known as Mad Cow Disease.

The case was identified as part of routine testing and did not enter the human food chain, according to the Scottish Government.

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 the meantime, I would urge any farmer who has concerns to immediately seek veterinary advice."

Fergus Ewing, Scotland's Rural Economy Secretary, added: "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."

Millions of cattle were culled in the UK in the 1990s due to BSE.