BSE risk status ‘negligible’ for Ireland

Agri minister says move is testament to those who have invested ‘enormous effort’ over the years

The status was adopted by resolution of the World Assembly of Delegates of the OIE at the organisation’s 88th General Session. Picture: Dylan Vaughan.  

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has recognised ‘negligible risk’ for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Ireland.

It is the lowest country risk status possible and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue has hailed the move as “a ringing endorsement of Ireland’s robust animal health, food and feed safety controls”.