A continuing decline in the observed cases of BSE is reported in official tables. The following figures are given for the period to the end of December 1999. The dates refer to the year when the animal was first suspected of harbouring the disease, and the figures are for animals finally confirmed as having the disease.
Recent figures are still provisional.
UK legislation permits cattle and sheep to be fed with cattle tallow and cattle gelatine, dried cattle blood and sheep blood, and blood products. There is also the possibility of under-reporting of the disease, as there are substantial financial advantages attached to herds with no known cases. Farmers in possession of such a herd may prefer to send to the abattoir any animals showing any half-suspicious symptoms, without calling a vet. . During March, MAFF officials were reported to have acknowledged that they were aware of four cases of BSE suspected in cattle born during 1996, but they were 'unable to divulge' the exact date of the animals' births. 40 Scrapie Data on scrapie in sheep and goats have been collected since the disease became notifiable 1993.