Vol. 564 No. 3
71 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the discovery of evidence of illegal knackeries close to the location where two three year old cattle were discovered with BSE in 2002 has been drawn to his attention; if his Department is investigating this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8832/03]
My Department has carried out investigations into the two cases of BSE in animals born in 1999. Both of these cases were identified on farms in the same general area and were born within a week of each other. Both were about 45 months of age at the time of detection, well above the age threshold for testing in meat plants, and both were detected long before they could have entered the food chain.
While factors have been identified in each case, including the identification of illegal knackeries in the vicinity of both farms, which may have contributed to the occurrence of the disease, I do not believe that there is evidence of any systematic breakdown in BSE controls. In fact, the pattern of cases would indicate that controls are working effectively. Appropriate follow-up actions are being taken in relation to the illegal knackeries.
