I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 59 together.
BSE was first confirmed here on 25 January 1989. To date, there have been 18 cases — four in County Cavan, four in County Donegal, one in County Monaghan, one in County Meath, one in County Longford, three in County Cork and one in each of counties Carlow, Clare, Limerick and Waterford.
This disease has a long incubation period and studies are continuing as to its possible origin. The feeding of Scrapieinfected meat and bonemeal has been suggested as the most likely cause of the disease but this has yet to be conclusively proven. The evidence in regard to the small number of cases found here is that the cause of the disease was import-related — either the infected animals were imported or were exposed to imported feed.
Following confirmation of our first BSE case, I took steps to make it notifiable and to provide for slaughter of affected animals with disposal of the carcases by burial or incineration. I have also arranged for a special examination of the brains of animals presented for slaughter with suspicious symptoms and for the purchase and retention for research purposes at the Department's veterinary laboratory of the progeny of confirmed cases. The importation of ruminant rations from the UK is prohibited and the import of cattle from that country is currently limited to those born after 18 July 1988 — the date on which a UK national ban on the feeding of ruminant-derived rations to ruminants became applicable.
In line with a recent EC decision, our restrictions on the importation of cattle from the UK will be extended shortly. Ireland opposed the EC proposal referred to on the basis that it was not justified on either animal or public health grounds. There is no evidence that BSE poses a threat to human health. The Scientific Veterinary Committee of the EC unanimously reported to that effect on 8 January 1990. This view is shared by the Food Advisory Committee.