BSE cases 'down by 50%'
The number of BSE cases on Irish farms in 2005 is running at half last year’s levels, Agriculture Department figures revealed today.
The total number of cases is 56 compared to 105 for the same period in 2004.
The sharp downward trend has continued since 155 were recorded for the equivalent period in 2003 and 284 in 2002.
“The range of controls in place to protect consumers and to eradicate the disease continues to be rigorously enforced,” a spokesman said.
“In particular it should be noted that specified risk material is removed from all cattle slaughtered.”
Over 491,000 tests were carried out on carcasses between January and September 2005.
The effectiveness of Ireland’s BSE controls has been recognised by the EU’s Scientific Steering Committee.
EU veterinary experts agreed in Brussels earlier this month to lift a four-year ban on popular T-bone steak because of the decline in BSE cases.
Sales of beef containing the backbone of animals aged over-12 months were outlawed in many European countries in 2001 to reduce the risk of catching the human equivalent of BSE, CJD.
The restriction will now be be raised to 24 months, following advice from the European Food Safety Authority.
