New BSE testing procedures take effect from 1st January 2009

New legislation to update and amend the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Regulations has been laid in Parliament by DEFRA.

From 1st January 2009, the age that all cattle will be tested for BSE in the UK will increase to those over 48 months born in the UK or other EU15 Member States.

31st December 2008 will see the end of the DEFRA funded fallen cattle collection and disposal service for cattle aged 24-48 months that die after that date. From 12th January 2009, GB farmers will become responsible for arranging for the disposal, and cost of such disposal, of cattle carcases of over 48 month cattle. Further information about these arrangements is available on DEFRA's website.