Terrestrial Animal Health Code
Terrestrial Animal Health Code |
Application for official recognition by WOAH of risk status for bovine spongiform encephalopathy
General principles
In accordance with Article 11.4.3., the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk of a country or zone is determined on the basis of a risk assessment that evaluates the risk of the classical BSE agent being recycled within the bovine (Bos indicus and Bos taurus) population by identifying all potential factors associated with the occurrence of BSE, the ongoing implementation of a surveillance programme, and the history of occurrence and management of BSE.
A case of BSE is defined in point 3 of Article 11.4.1.
The information specified in Articles 1.8.2. to 1.8.6. should be provided by WOAH Member Countries in support of their application for official recognition of BSE risk status in accordance with Chapter 11.4. of the Terrestrial Code. The structure of the dossier should follow guidelines provided in the 'Standard Operating Procedure for official recognition of disease status and for the endorsement of national official control programmes of Member Countries' (available on the WOAH website).
Each element of the core document of the dossier provided to WOAH should be clearly and concisely addressed, with an explanation, where relevant, of how each one complies with the provisions of the Terrestrial Code for the BSE risk status for which the Member is applying. The rationale leading to the conclusions reached for each section needs to be clearly explained and, as appropriate, figures, tables and maps should be provided. The core document of the dossier should include the following sections:
legislation
veterinary system
BSE risk assessment
BSE surveillance
the history of occurrence and management of BSE in the country or zone.
The dossier should indicate the date from which it can be considered that the risk of BSE agents being recycled within the bovine population has been negligible.
The terminology defined in the Terrestrial Code and Terrestrial Manual should be referred to and used in the dossier. The dossier and all of its annexes should be provided in one of the WOAH official languages.
Legislation
Provide a table listing all relevant legislation, regulations, Veterinary Authority directives, legal instruments, rules, orders, acts, decrees, etc., related to BSE. For each, provide the date of promulgation and implementation as well as a brief description of the relevance to mitigating the risks associated with BSE. The table should include the legislation, regulations and directives referred to in the core document of the dossier. These instruments may be provided as annexes or as weblinks to supporting documents.
Veterinary system
The quality of the Veterinary Services of a Member is important to the establishment and maintenance of confidence in its international veterinary certificates by the Veterinary Services of other Members (Article 3.2.1.). It also supports an evaluation of the BSE risk status of a country or zone.
Describe how the Veterinary Services of the country comply with the provisions of Chapters 1.1., 3.2. and 3.3.
The applicant Member may provide information on any recent (not older than five years) PVS evaluation conducted in the country and follow-up steps within the PVS Pathway, and highlight the results relevant to BSE.
Describe how the Veterinary Services supervise, control, enforce and monitor all BSE-related activities.
Provide a description of the involvement and the participation of industry; bovine breeders, owners and keepers; private veterinarians; veterinary paraprofessionals; transporters; workers at livestock markets, auctions and slaughterhouses/abattoirs; and other relevant non-governmental stakeholders in the control of BSE.
Describe the official bovine identification, registration, traceability and movement control system. Provide evidence of its effectiveness. In the table under Article 1.8.2., provide any legislation, regulation or directives relevant to this topic. Indicate whether there are any industry associations or organisations involved in bovine identification, registration, traceability and movement control systems that provide guidance, set standards or provide third party audits; include a description of their role, membership and interaction with the Veterinary Services or relevant Competent Authorities.
BSE risk assessment (point 1 of Article 11.4.4.)
Entry assessment (point 1 a) of Article 11.4.3.)
As described in Article 11.4.3., an entry assessment evaluates the likelihood that the classical BSE agent has been introduced into the country or zone through the importation of commodities.
For the purposes of undertaking an entry assessment, the period of interest is the preceding eight years (Articles 11.4.4. and 11.4.5.).
The commodities to be considered in the entry assessment are:
bovines;
ruminant-derived protein meal;
feed (except packaged and labelled pet food) that contains ruminant-derived protein meal;
fertilizers that contain ruminant-derived protein meal;
any other commodity that either is or could be contaminated by commodities listed in Article 11.4.15.
For each commodity listed above indicate whether they were imported in the preceding eight years, and, if so, from which countries.
For each commodity listed above describe the import requirements applied by the applicant country or zone and how they are related to the BSE risk status of the exporting country or zone and whether or not they are consistent with, or provide an equivalent level of assurance to, the recommendations laid out in Chapter 11.4. for the importation of such a commodity. Where the import requirements are not consistent with the recommendations in Chapter 11.4. but are considered to provide an equivalent level of assurance, provide an explanation outlining the rationale and supporting evidence. In situations where an import requirement does not provide an equivalent level of assurance to the relevant measure in Chapter 11.4., provide an explanation of how this is likely to impact the entry assessment.
Describe the importation process for these commodities and how are they controlled, regulated and monitored by the Competent Authority with references as appropriate to the relevant legislation in the table under Article 1.8.2. Provide supporting evidence of the importation process including, where relevant, import permits or their equivalent, and examples of international veterinary certificates issued by exporting countries.
Describe the intended end use of the imported commodities, for example: bovines may be imported for breeding or immediate slaughter; rendered products may be imported for incorporation into feed for non-ruminant species such as pigs or poultry. Provide information on any systems in place to monitor or track imported commodities and their results to ensure they are used as intended.
Describe the actions available under national legislation to prevent illegal introduction of the commodities considered above and provide information on any illegal introductions detected and the actions taken.
Conclusions for the entry assessment
Given the sanitary measures applied (if any), what was the likelihood that, during the preceding eight years, any of the commodities, in the form that they were imported, harboured or were contaminated by the classical BSE agent?
Clearly and concisely describe the rationale leading to the conclusions reached.
Exposure assessment (point 1 b) of Article 11.4.3.)
As described in Article 11.4.3., an exposure assessment evaluates the likelihood of bovines being exposed to the classical BSE agent either through imported commodities or as a result of the presence of classical BSE within the bovine population of the country or zone.
For the purposes of undertaking an exposure assessment for the evaluation of BSE status, the period of interest is the preceding eight years (Articles 11.4.4. and 11.4.5.). At its discretion, the applicant Member may provide the information requested for a different period (i.e. longer than eight years for those applying for a negligible risk status, or for the period for which they have the information if applying for a controlled risk status) to indicate the date from which the risk of BSE agents being recycled within the bovine population has been negligible.
As indicated in point 1 b) of Article 11.4.3., the first step in the exposure assessment involves an evaluation of the impact of livestock industry practices on preventing bovines from being fed ruminant-derived protein meal and, depending on the outcome of this step, an evaluation of the impact of specific mitigation measures on preventing bovines from being fed ruminant-derived protein meal.
Livestock industry practices (point 1 b) i) of Article 11.4.3.)
Because oral exposure to contaminated feed is the principal route of transmission of BSE, the exposure assessment begins with a detailed description of the bovine population and associated industry practices, with a particular emphasis on: feeding practices; disposal of dead animals and waste from slaughtered animals; rendering; and production, labelling, distribution and storage of feed that may lead to bovines being exposed to potentially contaminated feed.
The intent of this section is not to describe the implementation and enforcement of measures specifically targeting the exposure of the bovine population to BSE agents (such as a legislated feed ban) as they will be considered where relevant in point b) An evaluation of BSE specific mitigation measures. The intention here is to evaluate the likelihood and extent of exposure of the bovine population to the classical BSE agent, given the ongoing livestock industry practices in a country or zone.
Demographics of the bovine population and production and farming systems
Describe the composition of the bovine population and how the bovine industry is structured in the country or zone considering the types of production such as dairy, beef rearing and beef finishing, and the farming systems, such as intensive, extensive, semi-intensive, transhumant, pastoral, agropastoral, and mixed-species farming. The description should include the number and size of herds in each type of production and farming system.
Feeding practices
For each type of production system, describe the rearing and production practices related to feeding ruminants of various ages, including the types of feed and feed ingredients (animal or plant based). Where animal-based ingredients are used, describe whether or not they are derived from rendered products of ruminant or non-ruminant origin as well as the respective proportions used.
Provide an indication of the proportion of the national feed production prepared commercially (including local mills) or mixed on farm using either imported or domestically produced ingredients.
Describe whether or not fertilisers containing ruminant-derived protein meal, composted materials derived from fallen stock (i.e. bovines of any age which were found dead or were killed on a farm, during transportation, at livestock markets or auctions, or at a slaughterhouse/abattoir), slaughterhouse/abattoir waste or animals condemned at ante-mortem inspections or any other materials derived from or that incorporate ruminant proteins are applied to land where bovines graze or where forage is harvested for feeding to bovines. Where such fertilisers are used, provide information on the extent and frequency of use and any risk mitigation measures to prevent accidental ingestion.
Describe, for mixed-species farms that include ruminants, the number and size of such farms and whether or not there are any practices in place to ensure that ruminants are not likely to be fed with feed meant for non-ruminant species or that ruminant feed is not likely to be cross-contaminated with feed intended for non-ruminants that may contain rendered products of ruminant origin.
Slaughtering and waste management practices
Describe the practices for fallen stock, including bovines euthanised as part of a BSE surveillance programme under Article 11.4.20., with particular reference to their transportation, disposal or destruction, including composting, burial, rendering or incineration. In the table under Article 1.8.2., provide any legislation, regulation or directives relevant to this topic.
Describe the places where bovines are slaughtered (for example, on farm, at a slaughterhouse/abattoir or market) together with the respective proportions and associated ages.
Describe whether or not places where animals are slaughtered are required to be registered or approved by the Veterinary Services or relevant Competent Authority and if they are subject to official veterinary supervision. In the table under Article 1.8.2., provide any legislation, regulation or directives relevant to this topic.
Describe how animals condemned at ante-mortem inspection and waste declared as unfit for human consumption from slaughtered animals are processed, disposed of or destroyed, including composting, burial, rendering, incineration or other industrial uses such as salvaging and crushing bones for use in animal feed. In the table under Article 1.8.2., provide any legislation, regulation or directives relevant to this topic.
Rendering practices
Rendering is a process by which animal material is transformed into products such as protein meal that may be used in animal feed. It provides a pathway for the introduction of the classical BSE agent into the animal feed chain.
Describe whether or not there are any rendering facilities in the country or zone, if they are required to be registered or approved by the Veterinary Services or relevant Competent Authority and if they are subject to official veterinary control or supervision. In the table under Article 1.8.2., provide any legislation, regulation or directives relevant to this topic.
Using tables as appropriate, for each of the preceding eight years, provide a breakdown of the number of rendering facilities operating, indicating for each facility:
the source and types of raw materials handled;
whether or not they receive and process material from a particular species or process mixed materials including those derived from ruminants;
whether or not ruminant waste is segregated from non-ruminant waste and if so how segregation is maintained to avoid potential cross-contamination of non-ruminant rendered materials during processing, storage and transport of rendered products, for example through dedicated lines, storage bins or silos, transport vehicles or establishments;
the parameters of the rendering process (time, temperature, pressure, etc.);
the type and intended end use of the rendered products. If available, provide the amount of rendered products produced annually by type and intended end use;
if materials derived from imported bovines are managed differently, describe the process.
Indicate if there are any industry associations or organisations involved in the rendering industry that provide guidance, set standards or provide third party audits in relation to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) programmes, good manufacturing practices, etc. Include a description of their role, membership and interaction with the Veterinary Services or relevant Competent Authorities.
Feed production, labelling, distribution and storage
Where rendered products are used as ingredients in the production of animal feed the exposure of bovines to the classical BSE agent may arise as a result of the use of rendered products containing materials of ruminant origin as ingredients in bovine feed or as a result of bovine feed being cross-contaminated when such products are used in the production of feed for other species.
Describe whether facilities producing feed for ruminant or non-ruminant livestock as well as for pets are required to be registered or approved by the Veterinary Services or relevant Competent Authority and if they are subject to official veterinary control or supervision. In the table under Article 1.8.2., provide any legislation, regulation or directives relevant to this topic.
For each of the preceding eight years, provide a breakdown using tables as appropriate of the number and types of facilities producing feed, indicating for each facility:
whether or not rendered ruminant products, excluding those listed in Article 11.4.2., were used as ingredients in feed for ruminants, non-ruminants and pets;
whether or not each facility was dedicated to manufacturing feed for a particular species or manufactured feed for multiple species including ruminants.
Where facilities manufactured feed for multiple species including ruminants, indicate whether or not there were any practices in place to avoid ruminant feeds from being contaminated with rendered ruminant products during feed manufacture, storage and transport.
Indicate if there are any industry associations or organisations involved in feed production, distribution and storage that provide guidance, set standards or provide third party audits in relation to HACCP programmes, good manufacturing practices, etc. Include a description of their role, membership and interaction with the Veterinary Services or relevant Competent Authorities.
Conclusions for livestock industry practices
Given the livestock industry practices described above, is the likelihood that the bovine population has been exposed to the classical BSE agent during the preceding eight years negligible or non-negligible?
Clearly and concisely describe the rationale leading to the conclusion reached.
Where the likelihood estimate is negligible, proceed to Section 4) Risk estimation.
Where the likelihood estimate is non-negligible, proceed to Section b) An evaluation of BSE specific mitigation measures.
An evaluation of BSE-specific risk mitigation measures (point 1 b) ii) of Article 11.4.3.)
For those countries that have reported cases of BSE in indigenous bovines, it is apparent that their historic livestock industry practices did not prevent the recycling of the classical BSE agent within their bovine populations. These countries, together with others whose livestock industry practices would have been conducive to recycling, may have implemented specific measures, notably through a legislated feed ban, to ensure that the likelihood of recycling would be negligible. To qualify for official recognition of a BSE risk status, these countries need to demonstrate that these measures specifically targeting BSE have been and continue to be effectively implemented and enforced.
The nature and scope of a feed ban
Indicate whether there is a ban on feeding ruminants with protein meal derived from ruminants.
Where a feed ban has been implemented, clearly and concisely describe the date it was introduced, its nature and scope and how it has evolved over time.
In addition, if the feed ban has been implemented through national legislation, provide pertinent information in the table under Article 1.8.2. and a summary of any relevant legislation with references as appropriate.
Commodities with the greatest BSE infectivity
Indicate whether any of those commodities listed in point 1 of Article 11.4.15. are removed from the carcass at the time of slaughter or subsequent fabrication or processing.
If so, also:
Describe how they are disposed of or destroyed through burial, composting, rendering, alkaline hydrolysis, thermal hydrolysis, gasification, incineration, etc.
Describe any measures in place that ensure slaughter waste declared as unfit for human consumption that is rendered is not contaminated with these commodities.
Describe whether these commodities from fallen stock and animals condemned at ante-mortem inspection are excluded from rendering and how this is done.
Where these commodities are not removed from fallen stock, animals condemned at ante-mortem inspection, or slaughter waste declared as unfit for human consumption, describe their final disposal, and how it is handled and processed.
Describe whether or not all these processes and methods are subject to approval and oversight by the Veterinary Services or relevant Competent Authority.
In addition, if there is specific national legislation concerning the definition, identification, removal and disposal or destruction of those commodities listed in point 1 of Article 11.4.15., provide pertinent information in the table under Article 1.8.2. and a summary of any relevant legislation with references as appropriate.
Parameters of the rendering process
Describe whether or not the parameters of the rendering process are prescribed in legislation and if they are consistent with, or provide an equivalent level of assurance to, the procedures for the reduction of BSE infectivity in bovine-derived protein meal as described in Article 11.4.19. Provide details of the legislation, if applicable, in the table under Article 1.8.2.
Cross-contamination
Describe the measures in place to prevent cross-contamination during rendering, feed production, transport, storage and feeding such as dedicated facilities, lines and equipment, as well as measures to prevent misfeeding, such as the use of warning labels. Provide information as to whether any of these measures are prescribed in legislation and if facilities involved in rendering and feed production are required to be registered or approved under the feed ban by the Veterinary Services or relevant Competent Authority.
Awareness programme under the scope of the feed ban
Provide information on the existence of any ongoing awareness programmes or other forms of guidance given to all those stakeholders involved in rendering, feed production, transport, storage, distribution, sale and feeding under the scope of the feed ban. Provide examples of communication materials including publications, brochures and pamphlets.
Monitoring and enforcement of the feed ban
Describe how the feed ban, if implemented, has been and continues to be monitored and enforced. Provide information on:
official oversight from the Veterinary Authority, other Competent Authority or an approved third party;
training and accreditation programmes for inspectors;
the planned frequency of inspections and the procedures involved including manuals and inspection forms;
sampling programmes and laboratory testing methods used to check the level of compliance with the feed ban and cross-contamination;
options available to deal with infractions (non-compliance) such as recalls, destruction and monetary penalties.
Provide information on the ongoing results of the official inspection programme for each of the preceding eight years, using tables as appropriate:
planned versus actual delivery inspections at rendering facilities, feed mills, farms, etc., with an explanation of any significant variation and how it may have impacted the programme;
number and type of samples taken during inspections to verify that ruminant feed does not contain or is not cross-contaminated with rendered products containing ruminant material (excluding those listed in Article 11.4.2.). Provide information by year, by source (rendering facility, feed mill or farm), indicating the laboratory test(s) used and the results obtained;
the types of infractions (non-compliance) that occurred and corrective actions undertaken;
any infractions (non-compliance) that were likely to have led to bovines being exposed to feed contaminated with ruminant material (excluding those listed in Article 11.4.2.) and how they were resolved.
Conclusions for the evaluation of BSE-specific risk mitigation measures
In evaluating the effectiveness of a feed ban, if implemented, for each of the preceding eight years, consideration needs to be given to:
the management of commodities listed in point 1 of Article 11.4.15., and the associated likelihood that these materials, or other materials cross-contaminated by them, may have entered the animal feed chain;
the rendering industry and the associated likelihood that rendered products containing ruminant material may retain BSE infectivity;
the feed industry and the associated likelihood that feed for bovines may contain or has been cross-contaminated with ruminant-derived protein meal.
Given the evaluation of BSE-specific risk mitigation measures and their enforcement as described above, is the likelihood that, during the preceding eight years, the bovine population has been exposed to the classical BSE agent negligible or non-negligible?
Clearly and concisely describe the rationale leading to the conclusion reached.
Where the likelihood estimate is negligible, proceed to Section 4) Risk estimation.
Where the likelihood estimate is non-negligible, proceed to Section 3) Consequence assessment.
Consequence assessment (point 1 c) of Article 11.4.3.)
As described in Article 11.4.3., a consequence assessment evaluates the likelihood of bovines becoming infected following exposure to the classical BSE agent together with the likely extent and duration of any subsequent recycling and amplification.
For the purposes of undertaking a consequence assessment for the evaluation of BSE risk status, the period of interest is the preceding eight years.
Considering that, for all practical purposes, oral exposure to contaminated feed is the principal, if not the only, route of transmission of the classical BSE agent, to initiate a cycle of BSE infectivity within a bovine population the following series of events would need to unfold:
commodities listed in point 1 of Article 11.4.15. from an infected animal are included in raw materials that are rendered into ruminant-derived protein meal;
the rendering process does not destroy BSE infectivity;
the ruminant-derived protein meal is incorporated as an ingredient in bovine feed, or bovine feed is cross-contaminated during feed production, distribution and storage, or bovines are incorrectly fed with feed intended for non-ruminant species that includes the ruminant-derived protein meal as an ingredient;
one or more animals that ingest contaminated feed become infected;
the infected animal survives long enough to reach the later stages of a protracted incubation period when the levels of the classical BSE agent in those commodities listed in point 1 of Article 1.1.15. would begin to rise dramatically;
commodities listed in point 1 of Article 11.4.15. are then included in raw materials that are rendered into ruminant-derived protein meal, completing one cycle.
Recycling arises when this cycle is repeated one or more times. Any level of recycling within a given period is sufficient to conclude that the consequences of exposure to contaminated feed for that period within the bovine population are non-negligible.
Factors to consider when evaluating the likely extent of recycling of the classical BSE agent within a bovine population:
Age at exposure
Animals less than 12 months of age are considered to be much more susceptible to infection than older animals, which are likely to be increasingly refractory to infection as they mature.
Production type
Calves reared as replacement animals for the breeding herd
Bovines exposed to the classical BSE agent at less than 12 months of age and destined to enter the breeding herd are much more likely to become infected and survive long enough to reach the later stages of a protracted incubation period when the levels of the classical BSE agent in those commodities listed in point 1 of Article 11.4.15. would begin to rise dramatically. If these materials were rendered and subsequently contaminated bovine feed, it is highly likely that some level of recycling would occur.
Feedlot bovines
Even if bovines reared in a feedlot that were destined to be slaughtered within the next two to six months were to become infected after consuming contaminated feed, the likelihood that they would have reached the later stages of a protracted incubation period (when the levels of the classical BSE agent in those commodities listed in point 1 of Article 11.4.15. would begin to rise dramatically) would essentially be negligible.
Considering that mature bovines are likely to be much more refractory to infection than animals within their first year of life, even if they were to consume contaminated feed, it is highly unlikely that those commodities listed in point 1 of Article 11.4.15. would pose a threat if they were rendered and subsequently contaminated bovine feed.
The impact of livestock industry practices or the implementation of measures under a feed ban
When evaluating the potential for the recycling of the classical BSE agent within the bovine population where an infraction (non-compliance) has occurred that may have led to feed being contaminated, it is important to consider the impact of both the livestock industry practices and the ongoing measures under a feed ban. Even if an infraction that arose several years ago led to susceptible young animals becoming infected, in evaluating the likelihood of recycling in future years, consideration would need to be given to the effectiveness of the feed ban in subsequent years or whether or not any changes to livestock industry practices may have influenced the exposure risk.
Conclusions for the consequence assessment
Where the outcome of the evaluation of livestock industry practices or the evaluation of BSE-specific mitigation measures that include the nature and scope of the feed ban and its enforcement has concluded that there was a non-negligible likelihood that the bovine population has been exposed to the classical BSE agent, what is the likelihood that they have been recycled within the bovine population during the preceding eight years?
Clearly describe the rationale leading to the conclusions reached.
Risk estimation (point 1 d) of Article 11.4.3.)
As described in Article 11.4.3., risk estimation combines the results and the conclusions arising from the entry, exposure and consequence assessments to provide an overall measure of the risk of the classical BSE agent being recycled within the bovine population.
Provide a summary of the entry and exposure assessments and the conclusions reached.
If applicable, provide a summary of the consequence assessment, and the conclusions reached.
Surveillance (point 2 of Article 11.4.4.)
Article 11.4.20. describes the criteria that underpin a credible surveillance programme, together with an overview of the range and progression of clinical signs that bovines affected by BSE are likely to exhibit.
Requirements under point 2 of Article 11.4.20. are focused on subsets of the bovine population where BSE is more likely to be detected.
The Member applying for recognition of a negligible or a controlled BSE risk status should submit documentary evidence that the provisions of point 3 of Article 11.4.20. have been effectively implemented.
For the purposes of surveillance, the period of interest is the preceding eight years (Articles 11.4.4. and 11.4.5.).
Awareness and training programmes (point 3 a) of Article 11.4.20.)
Ongoing awareness and training programmes are essential to ensure that all stakeholders are familiar with clinical signs suggestive of BSE (those described in point 1 of Article 11.4.20.) as well as their statutory reporting requirements.
Describe the stakeholder groups targeted for BSE awareness and training programmes. Describe the methods used to identify stakeholder groups within the jurisdiction and methods used to identify how, for example, the size and characteristics of the stakeholder group changes over time.
Describe the type(s) of awareness and training programmes implemented for specific stakeholder groups. Describe how these programmes are adapted to meet the specific obligations and activities of each stakeholder group involved in caring for livestock, as well as the protocols for sample collection and submission by veterinarians and animal health technicians.
Provide information on the number of awareness and training activities, the stakeholder groups targeted, the number of individuals reached per activity (if available), and the geographical coverage of these activities.
Provide a description including examples of materials used in the awareness programme such as training manuals, supporting documents such as publications in local newspapers and farming magazines, pamphlets and videos (weblinks to supporting documents in one of the WOAH official languages may also be provided, where they exist).
Provide details on how the effectiveness of the awareness and training programmes is evaluated.
Provide details of any contingency or preparedness plan for BSE.
BSE reporting system (point 3 b) of Article 11.4.20.)
Describe the BSE reporting system, including the date of implementation of any supporting legislation and associated policies making BSE a notifiable disease. Indicate if a definition for a suspicion of BSE' exists. If appropriate, outline relevant legislation in the table under Article 1.8.2.
Describe the supportive measures in place for targeting animals that show signs of the clinical spectrum of BSE and for reporting of animals described in points 2 a) to 2 d) of Article 11.4.20., such as incentives, compensations or penalties.
Describe the guidance given to all stakeholders involved in the rearing and production of livestock including bovine breeders, owners and keepers, veterinarians, transporters, and workers at livestock markets, auctions and slaughterhouses/abattoirs in terms of the criteria for reporting. What mechanisms are in place to ensure that these guidelines reach those stakeholders?
Describe the evaluation of the reporting system. Has this reporting system evolved over time and, if so, how?
Laboratory testing (point 3 c) of Article 11.4.20.)
Provide documentary evidence that the relevant provisions of Chapter 3.4.5. of the Terrestrial Manual are applied, including the following:
If BSE samples are submitted to laboratories in the country for testing, provide an overview of how they are approved or certified, their number, location and diagnostic procedures and the time frame for reporting results.
If the BSE samples are not submitted to laboratories in the country for testing, or if suspicious or positive samples are referred to laboratories outside the country, provide the names of the laboratories in other countries providing the service, as well as the arrangements in place, including logistics for shipment of samples and the time frame for reporting results.
Describe the diagnostic protocol and tests used for processing samples for BSE and how they may have evolved over time, indicating: the primary test used; the series of secondary tests performed, if any, depending on the results of the primary test (i.e. negative, positive and inconclusive); what test would be undertaken if discordant results arise between primary and secondary tests (e.g. primary positive result followed by a secondary negative result); and tests undertaken to discriminate classical BSE from atypical BSE.
Evaluation procedures and protocols to identify animals targeted for BSE surveillance, to determine animals to be subjected to laboratory testing, to collect and submit samples for laboratory testing, and to follow up BSE positive findings with epidemiological investigation (point 3 d) of Article 11.4.20.)
Given that the incidence of BSE is likely to be very low in Member Countries it is important that surveillance efforts focus on subsets of the bovine population where disease is more likely to be detected.
Considering that BSE is a progressive disease and that animals to be included in the surveillance programme may arise at the farm, the slaughterhouse/abattoir, or during transportation, procedures and protocols should be in place covering all points in the livestock production chain for: (1) the identification of animals showing signs of the clinical spectrum of BSE (e.g. by the breeder, owner or keeper, animal handler, veterinarian, etc.); (2) the criteria to determine which of these animals need to be reported and tested for BSE; (3) the collection and submission of samples for testing in a laboratory; and (4) a follow-up epidemiological investigation for BSE positive findings.
It is important that appropriate procedures and protocols are in place to ensure that BSE can be definitively ruled out on the list of differential diagnoses.
List the common bovine disorders with clinical signs compatible with BSE in the country or zone. If available, provide the incidence/prevalence of these disorders, ideally by production system (e.g. dairy, beef) and by age group.
Describe the procedures and protocols in place for reporting animals described in points 2 a) to 2 d) of Article 11.4.20. For example, these procedures and protocols may include the steps that a breeder, owner or keeper may follow once an animal with clinical signs suggestive of BSE is identified. These procedures and protocols should cover the clinical continuum of the disease spectrum ranging from clinical suspects to non-ambulatory to fallen stock.
Describe the procedures and protocols in place for the investigation of reported animals. For example, these procedures and protocols may include the range of clinical signs to be considered, and how the age, the clinical history of the animal and epidemiological data of the herd are taken into account. An evaluation procedure may, for example, be in the form of a protocol, a checklist or a decision tree, and should cover the clinical continuum of the disease spectrum ranging from clinical suspects to non-ambulatory to fallen stock.
Describe the methods applied to assess the age of animals investigated, such as individual identification or dentition.
Describe the procedures and protocols for the transport of live or dead animals for sampling, and transfer of samples to laboratories for testing, including details of the bovine identification system, the maintenance of the chain of custody of the carcass and the samples, and the reconciliation of samples with the animals they were collected from.
Provide the procedures and protocols for a follow-up epidemiological investigation of BSE positive results.
Provide a summary table for each of the preceding eight years (Table 1) of the number of animals reported and the number of animals subjected to BSE testing for each clinical presentation (those in points 2 a) to 2 d) of Article 11.4.20.).
| Table 1. | |||||||
| Year: _____ | |||||||
| Table 1 - Summary of all animals that were reported and evaluated for testing by the Veterinary Authority | |||||||
| Clinical presentation (see point 2 of Article 11.4.20.) | Number of reported animals | Number of animals subjected to BSE testing | |||||
| (A) Bovines displaying progressive behavioural or neurological signs suggestive of BSE that are refractory to treatment | |||||||
| (B) Bovines showing behavioural or neurological signs that did not pass the ante-mortem inspection at slaughterhouses/abattoirs | |||||||
| (C) Bovines unable to rise or walk without assistance with an appropriate supporting clinical history | |||||||
| (D) Bovines found dead (fallen stock) with an appropriate supporting clinical history | |||||||
Animals subjected to laboratory testing
Provide in Table 2, for each of the preceding eight years, details of all animals counted in Table 1 that were subjected to laboratory testing (see point 2 of Article 11.4.20.).
| Table 2 - Details of the animals that were subjected to laboratory testing | |||||||
| Year notified | Laboratory identification number or individual identification number | Age (in months) at the time of reporting | Type of production system (dairy, beef, mixed, etc.) | Description of observed clinical signs | Clinical presentation (A, B, C or D) | Final diagnosis (if BSE, specify if C, L or H type) | For a case of BSE, indicate the origin (indigenous or imported; if imported, indicate the country of birth) |
History of occurrence and management of BSE in the country or zone (points 3 and 4 of Article 11.4.4.)
Describe the history of occurrence and management of BSE by providing the following documentary evidence:
If a case of BSE has ever been diagnosed in the country or zone, indicate the total number of cases of BSE, and:
Provide a table of aggregated data on all cases of BSE encountered in the country or zone, origin (indigenous or, if imported, the country of origin), and the year of birth;
For the past eight years, provide a table to indicate, for each case, the year of occurrence, the origin (indigenous or, if imported, the country of origin), and the year of birth of each indigenous case.
If there have been cases of BSE or bovines affected by atypical BSE, confirm that they were completely destroyed or disposed of to ensure they are excluded from the feed chain and describe how this was achieved. In the table under Article 1.8.2. provide details of the national legislation, regulations and Veterinary Authority directives that describe these procedures.
Maintenance of BSE risk status
Following the occurrence of an indigenous case of BSE in a bovine born after the date from which the risk of BSE agents being recycled within the bovine population has been negligible occur in a country or zone with a negligible or controlled BSE risk status, the outcome of the investigation together with any additional measures implemented that confirm or ensure that the risk of BSE agents being recycled within the bovine population continues to be negligible should be provided with reference to the provisions in Article 1.8.4. as appropriate. Information in relation to other sections need to only be supplied if relevant.
nb: first adopted in 2009; most recent update adopted in 2023.
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