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HomeFarming NewsIreland in process of regaining negligible BSE risk status
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Ireland in process of regaining negligible BSE risk status

The World Health Organisation’s (OIE) Scientific Commission for Animal Disease has concluded that Ireland now fulfils the requirements to be recognised as having a negligible risk for BSE.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D welcomed the recent announcement.

The announcement follows an evaluation of a detailed submission made by the Department of Agriculture to the OIE last autumn.

The OIE’s Scientific Commission has recommended this recognition be submitted for endorsement by the OIE World Assembly of Delegates at the 88th General Session in May 2021.

Minister McConalogue said: “This is a most welcome and very significant step forward towards Ireland achieving negligible risk status in respect of BSE, affirming the robustness of Ireland’s animal health, food and feed safety controls and providing further independent affirmation in the international market place of the strength of Ireland’s control systems.”

Two further steps

McConalogue said two further steps are needed before this status is officially recognised.

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Firstly, a 60-day period within which all 182 member countries of the OIE may request any information substantiating this decision should they wish to do so and, secondly, that the proposal receive a favourable vote at the General Assembly of the OIE in May.

“Whilst we must await the outcome of these two final stages in the process, but I am optimistic and hopeful for our world-class beef farmers and the wider sector.”

“We can look forward with reasonable confidence towards achieving this status which reflects very significant commitment by all stakeholders, ably led by officials in my Department.”

“Negligible risk status will support our continued efforts around international market access and assist in opening new trade opportunities in respect of Irish beef products.”

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