Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) Surveillance

New Zealand is free from bovine spongiform encephalopathy, scrapie and chronic wasting disease. These diseases are known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, or TSEs. As a country with a large livestock industry New Zealand must protect its TSE-free status. We have a comprehensive TSE preventive/surveillance programme in place to prevent the entry and spread of TSE agents. There is also targeted surveillance of susceptible livestock - cattle, sheep, goats and deer. Contingency plans for dealing with any suspect cases in livestock have also been developed.

Important changes to the TSE Surveillance Program

Surveillance Incentives

• TSE Surveillance Incentives

Information on Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Description of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies
• Is BSE transmitted via semen and embryos ? The Evidence to date (17 Kb).
• BSE in sheep
• Safe to Eat
• What would be the implications of a case of BSE for Dairy Exports ?

Ruminant Feeding Regulations

• Feeding Ruminant Protein to Ruminants is Banned

New Zealand's Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Status

• New Zealand's BSE Free Certification
• New Zealand's case to the OIE to be recognised as a country free from BSE (410 Kb)
• New Zealand's case to the European Union to be recognised as a country free from BSE (1299 Kb)
• The European Unions assessment of New Zealand's BSE status (165 Kb).
  New Zealand received a category 1 rating for its BSE status. This was the best possible rating of unlikely to have BSE.
• MAF's official statement of freedom from BSE
• MAF's official statement of freedom from Scrapie
• MAF's official statement of freedom from chronic wasting disease (68 Kb)
  The official statements are reviewed on a monthly basis to confirm it is still accurate and redated at that time. Should you need an original copy of this document please contact the person listed on the right of this page