DAERA Minister Andrew Muir reassures NI public there is no link to the confirmed case of classical BSE in Scotland

The case was discovered on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway,

Minister Muir said: “The confirmation of a positive case of classical BSE is rare and while it is disappointing, it proves the controls on BSE surveillance are sufficiently robust, rigorous and are effective at identifying issues as early as possible.

“At this stage, there are no links to Northern Ireland and this finding will not impact on Northern Ireland’s or Scotland’s BSE negligible risk status."

Investigations are ongoing to identify the origin of the case and movement restrictions have been put in place.

Movement of cattle from Great Britain to Northern Ireland continues to remain suspended due to the Bluetongue incursion in Great Britain.

The case was identified as a result of routine BSE surveillance and stringent control measures that are in place.

The animal did not enter the human food chain and Food Standards Scotland have confirmed there is no risk to human health as a result of this isolated case.

Minister Muir added: “Working with the Food Standards Agency we have stringent controls in meat plants and animal feed companies to ensure the safety of the food chain in Northern Ireland and that beef from Northern Ireland is safe to eat.

“Contaminated feed can be a cause of BSE and I would urge farmers to ensure they source feed responsibly and are compliant with relevant Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) legislation including maintaining proper records of food supplied.

“My officials will continue to engage with colleagues in the Scottish Government and I have asked to be kept updated on developments as the investigations into the case continue.”

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is one of a group of diseases of the brain which can be fatal to cattle: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/introduction-bovine-spongiform-encephalopathy-bse

The UK Government have in place a range of livestock, food and feed controls since the late 1980s which have been very effective in controlling BSE.