Research and analysis: Exotic species and domestic cats: TSE surveillance statistics

Feline spongiform encephalopathy (FSE)

FSE was first identified in the United Kingdom in 1990. Most cases have been reported in the United Kingdom, where the epidemic has been consistent with that of the BSE epidemic. Some other countries (e.g. Norway, Liechtenstein and France) have also reported cases. Most cases have been reported in domestic cats but there have also been cases in captive exotic cats (e.g. cheetah, lion, asian, leopard cat, ocelot, puma and tiger).

TSE in exotic ruminants

TSEs have been detected in exotic ruminants in zoos in the United Kingdom since 1986. These include antelopes, Ankole cattle and bison. The 1986 case in a Nyala antelope was diagnosed before the first case of BSE was identified.

The statistics show that the number of cases have declined since the late 1990s. This is due to the controls on animal feed and the disposal of specified risk material and animal by-products.