Discovery of suspected BSE case 'proves structures are robust'

Representatives of the dairy industry are warning against an over-reaction to a suspected case of BSE in Co Louth.

The results of a second round of tests are due next week and are expected to confirm the first case of the disease here since 2013.

The fallen animal was discovered on a farm in the county and did not enter the food chain.

John Comer president of the Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association said that the system can cope with an issue like this.

"It feels disappointing, but it certainly isn't, by any manner or means, catastrophic," he said.

"I think we have a history of being able to deal with this, we have structures in place, and if anything, the big positive out of this is - it shows that the structures that we have in place is robust enough to protect the general public and to protect consumers."