If Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy is suspected in my cattle

If I suspect that one of my animals has BSE, what do I do, and what does the Department do?

You must, by law, report a BSE suspect case to the Department immediately, by contacting your local Divisional Veterinary Office (DVO). If you are unsure, you may wish to take advice from your Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP) who will notify the DVO if he suspects BSE. A Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Veterinary Officer will visit you as soon as possible and examine the animal after contact with the DVO has been made.

If the Department's Veterinary Officer suspects that your animal may be suffering from BSE, you will be issued with a notice restricting movement of the animal from your farm. Milk from an affected or suspected animal must be disposed of in such a way that it cannot be consumed by a human or an animal, other than its own calf.  Until the disease has been confirmed, the responsibility for the animal, including treatment, rests with you and your own Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP).

Once the officer believes that the animal is affected by BSE, the valuation, slaughter and disposal of the animal will be arranged as soon as possible, at the Department's expense.

You will be paid compensation for the animal whether it is confirmed to have BSE or not based on its market value. However, there is an upper limit on the compensation payable and this is published by the Department each month.

By reporting early you: