The Veterinary Institute is awaiting test results from the EU reference laboratory in England to confirm or rule out whether a cow has BSE (mad cow disease). These test results will come at the earliest in the middle of this week (week 5).
On Tuesday January 20th, the National Veterinary Institute reported a suspected case of BSE (mad cow disease), after brain samples taken in connection with a monitoring program tested positive for BSE in preliminary tests.
The final diagnosis will be given by the EU reference laboratory in England if this is proven to be the first case. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the question of whether this is a classic or atypical case of BSE will probably be answered.
The results of these tests will come earliest in the middle of week 5, which is somewhat later than previously indicated.
The FSA maintains its routine preparedness and is implementing the necessary measures. Among other things, the circumstances concerning the animal are being mapped. Routine restrictions are mandated for the herd, which means that no animal can get in or out of the farm.
An examination of the herd where the suspected infected cow comes from shows that four additional animals may have an increased risk of infection. These animals have been localized and will not be removed from their herds before the final diagnosis is clarified.
The FSA deems the risk of transmission of infection from cow to calf as very small, but it is appropriate to consider such a scenario following a principle of precaution. The FSA considers it therefore appropriate to include the four animals in the measures being considered in the light of the test results this week.
The herds are located in Nord-Trøndelag, Sør-Trøndelag and Oppland. The FSA will not provide more detailed information on the locations.
- BSE is not transmitted from animal to animal. There is also no reason to be concerned about consuming meat or milk. This cow was destroyed, and no part of the cow was sent to the slaughterhouse. There are also general routines in connection with slaughtering, and the parts of animals that can contain infection are always taken out and sent for destruction. Therefore there is no risk of infection through food, says Solfrid Åmdal, section chief in the FSA.