Bernard J. Durkan
Question:246 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of cases of BSE identified during each of the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12394/01]
Written Answers - Bovine Diseases.
The number of BSE cases confirmed in each of the past 12 months is as follows:
|
Month |
No. of |
|
Confirmed Positives |
|
|
April, 2000 |
4 |
|
May, 2000 |
9 |
|
June, 2000 |
9 |
|
July, 2000 |
6 |
|
August, 2000 |
11 |
|
September, 2000 |
13 |
|
October, 2000 |
14 |
|
November, 2000 |
25 |
|
December, 2000 |
19 |
|
January, 2001 |
19 |
|
February, 2001 |
14 |
|
March, 2001 |
9 |
In all there have been 642 cases of BSE in Ireland since 1989, including 16 additional positive cohort animals. My Department publishes the BSE statistics on a weekly basis and up to date figures are maintained on the Department's website. The underlying trend in relation to BSE remains positive. For the purposes of international trade Ireland has a low incidence of BSE under World Animal Health Organisation criteria.