In the UK cows suffering from BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) are now slaughtered and their carcasses taken for disposal.

While it is very unlikely that BSE will affect human health, it is important to take reasonable hygiene precautions in handling carcasses of these animals.

The precautions suggested here will also protect you from other diseases of cattle known to affect man.

So when handling BSE carcasses:

• cover cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings before work starts;
• wear protective clothing including gloves;
• avoid cuts and puncture wounds during work;
• use eye protection if there is risk of splashing;
• wash your hands before eating drinking and smoking;
• wash down contaminated areas with detergent and water;
• rinse protective clothing free of debris after use and wash with water and detergent.

Report all accidents to your employer.

Further information

HSE priced and free publications are available by mail order from:
HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO 10 2WA
Tel: 01787 881165 Fax: 01787 313995

Website: www.hsebooks.co.uk (HSE priced publications are also available from bookshops and free leaflets can be downloaded from HSE’s website: www.hse.gov.uk.)

For information about health and safety ring HSE's Infoline Tel: 0845 345 0055 Fax: 0845 408 9566 Textphone: 0845 408 9577 e-mail: hse.infoline@natbrit.com or write to HSE Information Services, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.

This document contains notes on good practice which are not compulsory but which you may find helpful in considering what you need to do.

© Crown copyright This publication may be freely reproduced, except for advertising, endorsement or commercial purposes. First published 07/94. Please acknowledge the source as HSE.

Published by the Health and Safety Executive

IND(G)85L 10/96