No human risk from BSE case in Louth – Fitzpatrick

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has said that while he is very concerned about the news that a suspected case of BSE has been detected in county Louth, he is relieved that there is no human risk.

“We have an extremely successful agriculture industry in county Louth. News of a suspected BSE case is very distressing but I welcome the confirmation from the Department of Agriculture that the animal in question was not presented for slaughter and did not enter the food chain.

“Minister Coveney has confirmed that an investigation is underway and samples have been sent for verification. It is expected that this is a positive case and that will be confirmed in the next week.

“The animal in question has three calves. All have of these calves been located and quarantined. As a precaution the animals will be destroyed and the Department of Agriculture will test those animals. Tests can only take place when the animals are destroyed.

“This case was identified through the Department’s on-going surveillance system on animals which die on farm. It is encouraging to see that this surveillance system is working.

“It is important to say that this is one case. The Department of Agriculture has tested 7 million animals since 2002. Every single animal over 48 months of age that dies is tested. Minister Coveney has been in touch with and reassured Ireland’s trade partners. I am confident that Minister Coveney and his colleagues will thoroughly examine this incident.”