Anti-BSE measures to start today

The EU's anti-BSE measures get underway today, with the first slaughter of animals in the cattle destruction scheme.

Meat plants nationwide have registed animals for the killings, which will begin at designated locations.

This radical move to halt the spread of BSE is set to cost the State several hundred million pounds and will lead to huge amounts of waste product.

However, President of the Irish Farmers Association, Tom Parlon, said Ireland would be the first country in Europe with tested BSE-free beef.