In light of the recently reported case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Dumfries and Galloway, (a) what arrangements are in pla…

The Scottish Government has established arrangements to respond to and manage confirmed cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), working with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and other relevant partners. These arrangements include epidemiological investigation, movement restrictions where required, tracing of offspring and cohort animals, and the implementation of statutory disease control measures.These arrangements are activated following confirmation of a BSE case through the statutory surveillance and testing regime. Following confirmation of the recent case in Dumfries and Galloway, established control protocols were implemented and APHA commenced epidemiological investigations.The Scottish Government remains in regular contact with the UK Government, APHA, FSS and industry representatives on animal health preparedness and disease response matters. Following confirmation of the recent case, officials engaged with relevant partners through established channels to support the implementation of the multi-agency response arrangements and to keep stakeholders informed as investigations progressed.The affected animal did not enter the human food chain and FSS has confirmed that there is no risk to human health arising from this isolated case. The owners of the affected animals are continuing to work with the relevant authorities as epidemiological investigations progress and any necessary follow-up actions are taken.