Vol. 498 No. 5
32 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, being taken to determine the reasons for the sharp increase in cases of BSE over recent months; the number of cases recorded since the disease was first detected; the number of animals slaughtered in that period; the implications of the increase for the promotion and marketing of Irish beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27809/98]
75 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will report on the recent increase in BSE cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27350/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 75 together.
The overall incidence of BSE has remained constant over the last three years. As at 30 November 1998, a total of 69 clinical cases of this disease had been confirmed in Ireland during 1998. This compares with a total of 70 cases during the same period in 1997 and 64 for the corresponding period in 1996.
From 1989 to the end of November this year, 334 cases of clinical BSE have been recorded and a total of 42,489 animals have been slaughtered to date. This latter figure includes animals from BSE depopulated herds, birth cohort and-or progeny animals, UK imported animals and BSE suspect and affected animals.
Given that the overall incidence of BSE in the Irish herd is extremely low and given the strict and extensive control systems in place to ensure the safety of Irish beef, I am confident that exports from the Irish beef sector will continue to develop.
