Enfer Scientific develops BSE test for the US

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given approval to the BSE test developed by Irish biotechnology company Enfer Scientific.

Enfer Scientific's test is the world's leader in detecting BSE, commonly known as mad cow disease, and is approved for cattle testing throughout the European Union, Eastern Europe and Japan.

The relevant authorities in the United States have announced increased testing of cattle for BSE from 1 June. The rapid Enfer BSE test provides results within hours.

Prior to its approval in the United States, the USDA used a test which took several days to perform and report the results.

Enfer Scientific was established in 1990, and has its headquarters in Clonmel, Co Tipperary while its testing and kit manufacturing facility is based at Newbridge, Co Kildare.

The company employs 130 people and it also supplies a range of microbiological tests for the food hygiene market.

The Newbridge laboratory is the world's largest BSE screening lab, routinely performing up to 9,000 tests per day.

Enfer Scientific said in a statement that USDA approval was yet another major boost for the company.

“This is good news for everyone associated with Enfer Scientific, and a further endorsement of our terrific workforce. It is also a very significant headline for the Irish biotechnology sector given that the BSE test was developed here in Ireland at our Newbridge facility,” it said.