Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (including Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie) in Northern Ireland
Information related to Transmissable Spongiform Encephalopathies (such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and Scrapie) in Northern Ireland.
What is BSE?
- It is a brain disease of cattle for which there is no treatment
- BSE is confirmed after death of the animal by examining its brain tissue
- BSE is notifiable and there is a Departmental slaughter and compensation scheme
What is Scrapie?
- Scrapie is a fatal brain disease of sheep.
- Scrapie is notifiable
- Signs of scrapie should not be ignored, but should be tackled before it becomes a flock problem.
How many confirmed cases of BSE in cattle have there been in Northern Ireland?
Between 1988 and 2007, a total of 2179 cattle in 1508 herds have been confirmed as cases of BSE.