As part of the Brazilian health control system for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), on April 14, 2014, prion marking was detected in a cattle around 12 years old. The analyzed cattle was sent for emergency slaughter because inspections at the slaughterhouse observed that an animal had fallen. The animal was raised exclusively in an extensive pasture and mineral salt system. Products derived from this bovine did not enter the food chain and there was no risk to the human population.
Complementary investigations since 2000 have made it possible to identify certain animals from the “cohort” with links to animal movement, involving a further 10 properties in 3 municipalities in Mato Grosso. These animals were examined, without finding any clinical changes, and were then sacrificed and completely destroyed. Samples of nervous tissue from these animals were tested for BSE at the National Laboratory and were all negative on May 1, 2014.
Brazil's official veterinary service adopted all procedures set out in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). According to an official note released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), the reference laboratory of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reported that the data observed and the examination (immunopathology) do not show any of the characteristics that would point to a classic case. of the illness. On the contrary, they reinforce the consistency of an atypical case of BSE.
The Ministry also highlighted that the laboratory's statement corroborates epidemiological investigations carried out in the field that this is a spontaneous and predictable case, which has no correlation with the ingestion of contaminated food, and which can be detected in any country in the world. that has a robust and transparent surveillance system like Brazil’s.