Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is a particularly nasty disease which means cattle have to be destroyed. It's new and unique to the British Isles. BSE has been traced to sheep and some fear it will be passed on to people.
Ian Breach looks at the strain being put on the Ministry of Agriculture's veterinary and research services and at the Precautions now being taken.
12.55pm Countryside weather with Ian McCaskill
BBC Pebble Mill