Portugal sees first BSE outbreak since 2012

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been discovered in Portugal, marking the first case of the disease since June 2012.

A report was submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on 28 November, following the discovery of BSE in one cow – in Dume, Braga – which has since been destroyed. Another 31 were flagged up as being susceptible.

According to the OIE, a work male animal of a national autochthonous breed (born in 1998) was tested under the surveillance plan on the issue of emergency slaughter.

It added that epidemiological investigation is ongoing.