Hundreds of cows are reported to have died or been culled following outbreaks of a “life-threatening” disease among herds of cattle across the country.<\/p>\n
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are investigating cases of botulism in Essex, Northamptonshire and Shropshire.<\/p>\n
The governmental departments told the BBC there was no current indication of “any immediate risk to human health”, but safeguarding measures were being implemented.<\/p>\n
Jodie Wild, head of the incidents unit at the FSA, said the outbreak was believed to be linked to contaminated animal feed, which had been withdrawn from sale.<\/p>\n
“We’re working closely with government and local authority partners in response to an outbreak of botulism in cattle thought to be linked to animal feed,” she said.<\/p>\n
“There is currently no indication of any immediate risk to human health.<\/p>\n
“We are taking action to safeguard the food and animal feed supply chain and taking precautionary action to protect both public and animal health and welfare.<\/p>\n
“An animal feed product has been withdrawn from the market on a precautionary basis. We won’t hesitate to take further rapid action to protect animal health.”<\/p>\n
‘Under investigation’<\/p>\n
According to the NHS, botulism is a “rare but life-threatening condition” caused by toxins which attack the nervous system. It can infect humans as well as livestock, but is not contagious.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for APHA said: “We are aware of a number of suspected cases of botulism, which are under investigation in various regions including Essex, Shropshire and Northamptonshire.<\/p>\n
“APHA’s Regional Laboratories are involved with on-farm and laboratory investigations into cattle deaths that appear to be linked to the suspected feed contamination.<\/p>\n
“Further information will be provided in due course.”<\/p>\n
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