Minister Welcomes New BSE Testing Rules
IRELAND - The Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, has welcomed the EU decision to relax BSE testing rules.
14 January 2013
1 minute read
The Minister said that, based on scientific analysis and taking into account the declining incidence of BSE, the effect of the decision is that it will no longer be necessary to test healthy animals at slaughter for BSE in Ireland.
Testing for fallen cattle over 48 months will remain unchanged.
The new rules are expected to take effect from 1 April 2013, with the current testing regime continuing to apply in the interim.
Minister Coveney said: "This decision will deliver savings of approximately €5million per annum to the agriculture industry, including farmers. The number of such animals currently tested every year amounts to about 230,000.”
The Minister added: "This development provided compelling evidence of the effectiveness of the measures taken over the years to control and eradicate this disease.”
He thanked all concerned, including farmers, the meat industry and his own Department, for their co-operation and contribution in arriving at this situation.
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