Second BSE free week reported

There were no BSE cases last week, according to the Department of Agriculture and Food. It was the second successive week in which there were no confirmed outbreaks.

The number of cases detected in 2004 remains at 68. This compares with 102 cases for the same period in 2003 and with 176 cases for 2002.

The Department said the underlying trend remains positive and the increasing age profile of animals confirmed with the disease indicates that the enhanced controls introduced in 1996 and 1997 are proving effective.