Press Release: EU-Member States adopt testing scheme to monitor and survey BSE

The Standing Veterinary Committee agreed on the 4.4.00 to the European Commission's proposal to reinforce the epidemic surveillance of BSE in cattle by introducing a monitoring programme from 1st January 2001, through rapid post mortem tests. The Member States agreed to carry out annual monitoring programmes on a targeted sample of animals, with a particular focus on animals which die on farms, sick animals slaughtered as emergencies and animals displaying behavioural or neurological signs. Around 65000 tests will be carried out amongst the cattle population most at risk. The test results should provide more accurate picture of the incidence of BSE in the Community and of the patterns of infectivity.