asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, in view of the incidence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in the United Kingdom, the precautions which are necessary here; the incidence of the disease in Ireland; and if there has been an increase in the disease.
Written Answers. - Bovine Disease.
92.
Studies are continuing as to the possible origin of bovine spongiform encephalopathy which was first identified in Great Britain in November 1986. Pending completion of these studies, the existing stringent conditions for the import of cattle from Great Britain are considered to provide adequate safeguards against the possible introduction of BSE into the State. Developments are being monitored and further preventive action will, if necessary, be taken to maintain freedom from this disease.
Apart from one case recently identified in Northern Ireland, the disease is confined to Great Britain. The number of reported cases there has increased from about 70 per month, when the disease was made notifiable in June 1988, to about 250 per month at present.