BSE Surveillance Program
APHIS has a strong surveillance program in place to detect signs of BSE in cattle in the United States. The program samples approximately 25,000 animals each year and targets cattle populations where the disease is most likely to be found. Public and animal health are protected from BSE by a stringent feed ban imposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1997 and by the removal of all specified risk material which could harbor BSE.
These are some of the many measures the United States has in place to protect animal health and public health from BSE. Learn more about BSE and U.S. control measures.
Samples Collected
The targeted population for BSE surveillance focuses on cattle exhibiting signs of central nervous disorders or any other signs that may be associated with BSE, including cattle that cannot walk or are low-weight, injured, or dead. These types of cattle are sampled at farms, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, public health laboratories, slaughter facilities, veterinary clinics, and livestock markets.
Current Monthly Test Results
APHIS reports ongoing surveillance test totals monthly. The level of surveillance we conduct can detect one BSE case per 1 million animals in the national herd with 95-percent confidence during the designated timeframe. This is consistent with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines for BSE surveillance.
For more information on surveillance design, including BSurvE points, view the National BSE Surveillance Plan.
| Collection Month | Year | Number of | BSurvE Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 2024 | 1,486 | 17,623 |
| November | 2024 | 2,037 | 44,928 |
| December | 2024 | 1,745 | 36,667 |
| January | 2025 | 2,550 | 70,889 |
| February | 2025 | 1,841 | 49,344 |
| March | 2025 | 3,062 | 65,349 |
| April | 2025 | 2,764 | 44,440 |
| May | 2025 | 1,569 | 27,565 |
| June | 2025 | 1,123 | 17,993 |
| Total as of July 1, 2025 | 18,177 | 374,198 | |
Samples Tested by Fiscal Year
BSE Surveillance Program Cumulative Totals
- Valid tests from September 1, 2006 to July 1, 2025: 602,411
- BSurvE points from September 1, 2006 to July 1, 2025: 30,192,321