Commission adopts autopsy scheme for cattle
Continuing its efforts to prevent the spread of mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalitis - BSE) through Europe, the European Commission has adopted a scheme for autopsies on cattle in the EU. Around 65,000 tests will be carried out on cattle most at risk. The test results should provide a more accurate picture of the incidence of BSE in the EU and of patterns of infectivity in the animal population, according to the European Commission. Last year, the Commission validated three post mortem tests which will be used to monitor and survey the disease around Europe. Annual monitoring programmes will be carried out on animals which die on farms, sick animals slaughtered as emergencies and animals displaying behavioural or neurological signs of the disease. The testing programme will be evaluated after six months to see if any further adjustments are needed.