The selective testing of cattle in Poland has so far produced no positive results. However, only around 10,300 head of cattle older than 30 months have been examined so far, a figure that will rise to 18,000 by the end of the year.

The government has committed itself to begin a comprehensive testing programme by the end of October where all cattle over 24 months will be tested, but local authorities have not yet received any funds to carry out the tests. The chief vet has made assurances that the funds will arrive soon. The BSE tests will be spread between four cities: Cracow, Warsaw, Gdansk and Wroclaw.

In Slovakia the first case was confirmed by tests carried out in Germany. Further tests have been carried out on the more than 200 cattle that were in contact with the infected animal and some are due to be slaughtered. A general testing programme will soon start on all animals over 30 months with a reported investment of $3 million.