The identification of a suspected BSE case in Co. Louth today is clear evidence that Ireland’s rigorous animal health and food safety controls continue to operate effectively.
This isolated case is unfortunate, coming after the recent decision of the OIE to award Ireland ‘negligible risk status’. However, Ireland retains its ‘controlled risk status’ under which it has, and continues to, trade successfully in Europe and internationally. It is this ‘control risk status’ that has also enabled Ireland to achieve access to the US, Japan and to secure the recent lifting of the beef ban in China.
Bord Bia is confident that this isolated case will not adversely impact on the reputation of Irish beef among its European and international customer base.
We will nevertheless continue to monitor any reaction overseas and remain in close contact with both exporters and customers through our international office network.