Suspected BSE case is ‘zero risk’ to humans

Government ministers and senior agriculture figures have warned against over-reacting to news that Ireland might have its first case of BSE in cattle for two years.

Final test results, due next week, are needed before the case in Co Louth can be confirmed as mad cow disease.

Simon Coveney, the agriculture minister, moved to reassure consumers that there was absolutely no possibility of it having any effect on the food chain, while his government colleague, Michael Noonan, the finance minister, tried to cool fears that a positive test result could have a negative effect on the economy, particularly as it might be a “one-off” case.