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BSE Cases for the Week-Ending 12 Feburary 2010

There was one case of BSE disclosed in the week-ending Friday, 12th February 2010, the first case of 2010.

The total number of confirmed cases in 2009 was 9.  This compares with 23 cases for the year 2008, with 25 cases for the year 2007, with 41 cases in 2006, with 69 cases in 2005, with 126 cases in 2004 and with 182 cases in 2003.

Cases are identified using traditional passive surveillance and as in this week's case, under the active surveillance programme.  Under the active surveillance programme, testing of a proportion of fallen stock and cattle destined for human consumption was initiated in July 2000.  This was extended in January 2001 to test all cattle over 30 months destined for human consumption and all casualty animals. Since 1st January 2009, BSE testing of both animals slaughtered for human consumption as well as emergency slaughtered and fallen animals was increased to 48 months.

Under this surveillance programme in excess of 700,000 animals per annum were tested up to 2008. Due to the increase in the age limit the figure continued to fall substantially with a total of 385,494 animals tested up to the end of December 2009

The underlying trend remains positive and the increasing age profile of animals confirmed with the disease indicates that the enhanced controls introduced in 1996 and early 1997 are proving effective.

Ireland has also on the 30th May 2008 been declared by the OIE as having a "controlled risk for BSE" in accordance with their rules, which is a significant landmark.

The range of controls in place to protect consumers and to eradicate the disease continues to be rigorously enforced.  In particular it should be noted that specified risk material is removed from all cattle slaughtered.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Kildare Street, Dublin 2

Date Released: 22 February 2010