A case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed on a farm in Aberdeenshire, the Scottish government announced on Thursday.

Precautionary movement restrictions have been put in place at the farm, while further investigations to identify the origin of the disease are taking place, according to the government.

The case of BSE, commonly known as mad cow disease, was identified as a result of strict control measures that have been in place. It did not enter the human food chain and the government's food safety department, Food Standards Scotland, has confirmed there is no risk to human health as a result of this isolated case, the government said.

"While it is too early to tell where the disease came from in this case, its detection is proof that our surveillance system is doing its job. We are working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency to answer this question, and in the meantime, I would urge any farmer who has concerns to immediately seek veterinary advice," said Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas in a statement.

Although the disease is not directly transmitted from animal to animal, its cohorts, including offspring, have been traced and isolated, and will be destroyed in line with EU requirements, the government said.

"Consumers can be reassured that these important protection measures remain in place and that Food Standards Scotland official veterinarians and meat hygiene inspectors working in all abattoirs in Scotland will continue to ensure that in respect of BSE controls, the safety of consumers remains a priority," said Ian McWatt, director of operations at Food Standards Scotland.