Classical BSE Confirmed in Irish Cow

IRELAND - A five year old cow has tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) after authorities were alerted last week.
calendar icon 26 June 2015
clock icon 1 minute read

The infected cow was not presented for slaughter and did not enter the food chain, said the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine yesterday.

The Irish Department of Agriculture said the country is under Negligible Risk Status due to it being found in an animal under eleven years of age.

All animals associated with the animal have tested negative for BSE.

Negative BSE tests on the dam and grand-dam of the infected animal tested negative for BSE at slaughter, ruling out vertical transmission.

The Irish government said that the fact the grand-dam of the positive animal was imported was of ‘no statistical significance’.

The British Veterinary Association reiterated that the “swift identification and removal of the animal from the herd and food chain reinforces the importance of veterinary surveillance”.

Irish Farmers’ Association President, Eddie Downey, said home and export markets had responded in a “calm and balanced manner”.

He told consumers to be “reassured” about the robustness of Irish food safety controls.

Michael Priestley

Michael Priestley
News Team - Editor

Mainly production and market stories on ruminants sector. Works closely with sustainability consultants at FAI Farms

 
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