ΓΕΝΙΚΗ Δ/ΝΣΗ ΚΤΗΝΙΑΤΡΙΚΗΣ
Δ/ΝΣΗ ΥΓΕΙΑΣ ΤΩΝ ΖΩΩΝ
Τμήμα Λοιμωδών & Παρασιτικών Νοσημάτων 

E

HELLENIC REPUBLIC 
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
D.G. OF VETERINARY SERVICES  
ANIMAL HEALTH  DIRECTORATE
DEPT. OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES,
EPIDEMIOLOGY & DOCUMENTATION

Address     :  2 Acharnon Str.                                     Athens, 06 July 2001                   
                    101 76 Athens,Greece
Telephone  :   0030-1-88 35 420 / 88 36 420 
Fax           :   0030-1-82 52 614 / 82 29 188 
Telex         :   22 17 38 YDAG.GR         
E-mail       :  vetserv@ath.forthnet.gr

1. INTRODUCTION

A case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) - the first ever - was detected in Greece on 1st July 2001.

Following an initial brief announcement, a Preliminary Epidemiological Report was released on 3 July providing information available to that date on the circumstances surrounding detection and control of the case and investigating into the possible origin and causes of the disease.

The purpose of the 1st Follow-up Report is to provide updated information on related events and findings which have become available during the last 3 days.

Reports and documents referring to the BSE case in Greece are available, in Greek and in English, at the web site of the Dept.of Infectious Diseases & Epidemiology, Ministry of Agriculture, at :http://www.minagric.gr/greek/2.3.1

2.  UPDATE

2.1 Follow-up of investigations into the application of feeding ban 

Since 3 July 2001 the following relevant information has become available :

a)  On the basis of official inspection records and returns, it has been confirmed that the  Veterinary Services of Kilkis - where the affected farm was located - has conducted random but continuous on-the-spot checks in feed mills and farms inside the Prefecture since 1995 and up until 2001. 

During some of these checks samples were collected and submitted for chemical analysis, while on all occasions detailed documentary and labeling checks were carried out. 
All checks in feed mills produced negative results and all checks in farms failed to reveal any indication of using MBM in animal feed.
Admittedly, the particular farm which was affected by BSE had not been inspected, however, the outcome of inspections is indicative of commercial trends and feeding practices employed in the region since 1995.    
This overall assessment supports the explicit declaration of the specific owner of the BSE-affected herd that he has never consciously used MBM in his farm.   
In this connection it is also noted that there were no other species of animals (pigs, poultry) reared in the affected farm. 

b)  On the basis of official inspection records it has been confirmed that the particular feed mill, situated outside the Prefecture of Kilkis, supplying the specific farm with compound feedstuff during 1996 - 1997 had been inspected by the local Veterinary Service in April 1999 and samples had been taken for the detection of MBM. Results were negative.

In addition, a retrospective documentary check carried out on 03 and 04 July into the records and accounting books of the same manufacturer produced a long list of invoices for purchase of raw materials dating back to 1996, none of which indicated the presence of MBM.
These findings are consistent with the declaration of the manufacturer that he has never used MBM in his mixtures. 
It is significant to note also that the specific mill produces feed intended exclusively for ruminants.  

c)    Finally, new samples of feed have been collected both from the affected farm and the feed mill for the detection of MBM. Results are pending.

2.  Follow-up tests on the cohorts of the affected animal  

Testing the hypothesis that the affected bovine was born and reared in Greece, all 39 samples collected from her cohort (bovines born and/or reared with the affected animal within 12 months prior or after its birth) were negative for BSE.
This is hardly prove of absence of indigenous infection, but should be borne in mind for possible future reference. 

In total, 94 samples  were  collected  from "contact" animals  over 24  months of age which break down as follows :

• 23 samples from bovines directly originating in the Netherlands,

•  4 samples from bovines directly originating in Denmark,

• 26 samples from bovines born in Greece in 1995,

• 13 samples from bovines born in Greece in 1996,

• 0 samples from bovines born in Greece in 1997, (mentioned for clarity)

• 28 samples from bovines born in Greece before 1995 or after 1997.

All 94 samples were negative for BSE. 

3.  Extraordinary meeting of Scientific Advisory Committee on TSEs

On Thursday, 5 July 2001, the Greek Scientific Advisory Committee on TSEs held a special meeting to review the situation and offer advice on two specific issues, namely :

a)      The origin of the affected animal, and

b)      The appropriate surveillance, control and safeguard measures.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on TSEs, having considered all relevant and current information, was unable to offer any advice on the origin of the affected animal until such time as the fate of the missing Dutch cow matching the description of the affected animal had been clarified and made the following recommendations :

a)        The Greek Authorities apply formally to their Dutch counterparts requesting assistance for background and current information on the epidemiological profile - as regards BSE - of the cohorts of the missing cow.

      b)    Meanwhile, the  Greek Authorities intensify their efforts and employ suitable  
             means  and  procedures  with  a  view to trace the missing Dutch cow inside  
             the Greek territory.

      c)   Regardless of the origin of the disease , the  Greek  Authorities  continue  to  
            implement  all  current  surveillance, control  and safeguard measures which             guarantee the protection of public health without the need of additional ones.

4. Actions by the Greek Veterinary Authorities 

Taking on board the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee on TSEs, over the week end the Greek Veterinary Authorities will specify  the  proper  follow-up investigations and issue appropriate instructions to domestic Services and Agencies.

In addition, today (06.07.2001) they have  applied  formally  to  the  Dutch Authorities requesting assistance and providing preliminary information on the missing cow.

                                                           #

 This concludes the 1st Follow-up Report on the BSE case detected in Greece