Seventy-three animals have been diagnosed as suffering from BSE since the first case occurred in January 1989. A total of 9,360 animals have been slaughtered under a voluntary scheme for depopulating herds in which BSE-affected animals has been diagnosed. The amount of compensation paid to date is £6,925,849.
I am satisfied that the control measures taken by my Department are adequate. The disease is compulsorily notifiable. Affected or suspected animals are slaughtered and destroyed by burial in situ or incineration. Compensation at market value is paid.
Movement restrictions are immediately placed on herds in which BSE has occured and the voluntary depopulation scheme is pursued. Monitoring is carried out at all meat plants and suspicious cases are referred for diagnosis. The use of meat and bonemeal in ruminant rations has been banned. Imports of cattle from the UK, including Northern Ireland, are prohibited in accordance with an EC decision.