Vol. 537 No. 2
161 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will confirm that the incidents of BSE have reduced significantly since the closing of the Border with Northern Ireland in the context of the foot and mouth outbreak; and if there are any conclusions to be drawn from this. [15669/01]
The total number of BSE cases confirmed here in recent months is broadly similar to that for the corresponding period in 2000. There were 24 cases in the period 1 March 2000 to 31 May 2000 compared to 22 cases from 1 March 2001 to date, although the latter figures include two cases identified under the active surveillance programme which was commenced during 2000. The importation of cattle from the UK has been banned since March 1996. A range of additional control measures was introduced in 1996 and 1997 and that the EU Scientific Steering Committee concluded that the Irish control system has been optimally stable since 1998. That committee also predicted a temporary increase in numbers, up to 2002, of animals infected prior to the measures introduced in 1996 and 1997 taking full effect. It is likely that the number of cases will increase this year mainly due to the increased testing being undertaken on a range of animals including those presented at slaughter plants, knackeries and those dying on farms. However, no animals born after 1996 have been detected with BSE and an ever increasing proportion of confirmed cases are six years of age or more. An extensive range of control measures is in place to protect consumers.
