Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as 'mad cow disease', has not been recorded in the Isle of Man since 1999, and there have been no positive cases detected through the Island's ongoing surveillance programme in recent years. This reflects the effectiveness of long‑standing controls, including feed restrictions, removal of specified risk material, and comprehensive monitoring of cattle health. As a result, the Isle of Man has a strong and well‑established record of protecting both animal health and food safety, giving confidence to farmers, consumers and trading partners.
The Isle of Man is in the process applying to WOAH for BSE Negligible Risk status (via the UK), the highest level of international recognition set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). This process involves demonstrating robust biosecurity, surveillance and traceability systems, consistent with international standards. Securing this status will formally recognise the Island's favourable disease position and support continued access to export markets, reinforcing the reputation of Manx livestock and agricultural produce for quality and safety.
DEFA coordinates the testing of 'Fallen Stock'; following the international monitoring requirements for BSE. Animals born after 1 January 1998 and over 48 months of age that die on the farm are tested at the processing plant: brain stem samples are taken and submitted to a UK laboratory.
The results are collated and submitted annually to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) via DEFRA. The WOAH reporting year runs from 1 November to 31 October.
Please see below for sampling results over recent years:
Cattle
| Age groups | Nov 18 to Oct 19 | Nov 19 to Oct 20 | Nov 20 to Oct 21 | Nov 21 to Oct 22 | Nov 22 to Oct 23 | Nov 23 to Oct 24 | Nov 24 to Oct 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| <2 years | 5 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 4 |
| ≥2 and <4 years | 9 | 5 | 26 | 15 | 6 | 5 | 15 |
| ≥4 and <7 years | 81 | 73 | 49 | 98 | 68 | 40 | 20 |
| ≥7 and <9 years | 50 | 49 | 29 | 68 | 42 | 23 | 16 |
| ≥9 years | 87 | 88 | 51 | 93 | 88 | 30 | 45 |
| Total | 231 | 221 | 158 | 276 | 209 | 98 | 100 |
| Positive | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Negative | 231 | 221 | 158 | 276 | 198 | 98 | 100 |
| Unsuitable for testing | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 232 | 221 | 158 | 276 | 209 | 98 | 100 |
Sheep
| Category | Nov 21 to Oct 22 | Nov 22 to Oct 23 | Nov 23 to Oct 24 | Nov 24 to Oct 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samples | 218 | 74 | 11 | 25 |
| Negative | 217 | 70 | 9 | 24 |
| Positive | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unsuitable for testing | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 218 | 74 | 11 | 25 |
History
BSE was first diagnosed in November 1986 at the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Weybridge. The two cows concerned came from herds in different parts of England, but showed the same abnormal neurological symptoms.
The epidemic reached its peak in 1992. Since then the number of cases has decreased. There are now fewer than 4 suspected clinical BSE cases restricted per week in Great Britain, compared to more than 850 per week in 1992.
The average incubation period of BSE is five years, and only very rarely indeed do animals under three years of age display symptoms. This suggests that cattle in Great Britain first became infected in the early 1980s.
The last known case of BSE in the Isle of Man was 1999.
How to spot BSE
Affected cattle do not usually show signs of BSE until they are at least 4-5 years old.
Cattle with BSE may slowly develop some of the following signs over a period of weeks or months:
- Changes in behaviours
- Apprehension or nervousness (flighty)
- Repeated, exaggerated reactions to touch or sound
- Weakness or high stepping of the legs, particularly the hind legs
- Reluctance to cross concrete or drains, turn corners or enter yards or go through doorways
- Aggression towards humans or towards other cattle
- Manic kicking during milking or reluctance to allow milking
- Head held low
- Difficulty in rising, progressing to recumbency
- Tremors under the skin
- Loss of body condition, weight or milk yield
- Excessive nose licking
Feeding animals
There's a ban on feeding any animal protein to ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats) and on feeding processed animal protein to all farm animals, although there are exceptions.
What happens if you suspect BSE
If one of your animals is showing signs of BSE you must report it immediately by calling the DEFA on telephone +44 1624 685844. A Government vet will speak to you and may visit your farm and carry out a veterinary assessment on the animal as soon as possible.
If the Government vet suspects your animal has BSE, they’ll issue a notice restricting the movement of the animal (movement restriction). They’ll organise the animal to be culled.
They’ll put a herd restriction in place prohibiting the movement of cattle on and off your farm (whole herd restriction) and test your animal to find out if it has BSE.
Once cohort and offspring animals are identified, they’ll issue notices restricting the movements of these animals and the whole herd restrictions are lifted. If BSE is suspected in a female cow, DEFA will trace any of its offspring that were born up to 2 years before or after the mother showed signs of the disease. They’ll put movement restrictions in place and they’ll slaughter the offspring if BSE is confirmed in the mother. You will be paid compensation for any BSE suspect, offspring or cohort that has been culled to control BSE.
This page will be updated annually.
If you have any queries, please contact Agriculture@gov.im
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