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.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are investigating cases of botulism in Essex, Northamptonshire and Shropshire.
The governmental departments told the BBC there was no current indication of “any immediate risk to human health”, but safeguarding measures were being implemented.
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the incidents unit at the FSA, said the outbreak was believed to be linked to contaminated animal feed, which had been withdrawn from sale.
“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.
“There is currently no indication of any immediate risk to human health.
“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.
“An animal feed product has been withdrawn from the market on a precautionary basis.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.”
‘Under investigation’
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.
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.
“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.
“Further information will be provided in due course.”
