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Mad cow disease case confirmed at farm in Dumfries and Galloway

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The isolated case is the first in Scotland since 2004

A case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed in a cow on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway.

The infection, often called mad cow disease, was identified as a result of routine testing and is an isolated case.

The animal did not enter the human food chain and Food Standards Scotland said there was no risk to human health.

It is the first case of classical BSE to be reported in Scotland since 2024.

The Scottish government said the animal had been destroyed and tests were being carried out to establish the cause.

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: "The fact we identified this isolated case so quickly is clear proof that our surveillance system for detecting this type of disease is working effectively.

"I want to thank the animal's owner for their diligence.

"Their swift action allowed us to identify and isolate the case immediately, minimising its impact on the wider industry."