Order No. 878 on control of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) in cattle.

This Order applies to the keeping of livestock and sets regulations on the monitoring of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) in cattle. Definition thereof of: living, dead or slaughtered cattle may be suspected of suffering from BSE when it shows progressive clinical cases of neurological and behavioral symptoms or a progressive deterioration of the general condition due to disturbances in the central nervous system. Slaughtering of cattle for human consumption shall have brainstem removed at 48 months or more of age and tested for BSE. Age limit of 48 months applies to cattle originating from Denmark, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK, Germany and Austria. For slaughtered cattle originating from other countries the age limit shall be of 30 months and 24 months for emergency slaughtered cattle, AM animals (48 months old), OT animals(animals sent to slaughtering 1-category processing plants), dead and slaughtered cattle. Registration of infected animals shall be registered under a CKR Identification number.
The order consists of 7 Chapters: Purpose and definitions (1); Clinical suspicion (2); Monitoring at slaughtering houses and category 1-processing facility (3); Suspected BSE (4); Infection with BSE (5); Payment and compensation (6); Penalty and entry into force (7).