Atypical ‌BSE Outbreak in Ireland: Import ‌Quarantine on Irish⁢ Beef Suspended

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural​ Affairs

The ⁣Ministry of Agriculture, Food and​ Rural Affairs ⁤has ‍confirmed an outbreak of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Ireland,⁣ prompting⁢ the suspension of import quarantine on ⁤Irish beef as of September 23.

Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, ⁤Food and the Marine ⁢announced on September 19 that a 15-year-old cow, which died on a farm‍ as‍ part of Ireland’s‍ routine ⁣BSE surveillance program, tested positive for atypical BSE. ​The cow was subsequently‍ destroyed and removed⁤ from⁢ the food chain.

In response, the Ministry ⁢of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs ⁢immediately suspended‍ quarantine and‍ requested epidemiological information on the outbreak from the Irish government. A comprehensive review ⁤of the provided information will be conducted ‌to determine whether ‍to ⁤resume quarantine⁢ in the‍ future.

Since the import of Irish beef was permitted ​in May 2024, only⁤ a limited quantity has been imported by importers for quality assurance purposes in August and ‌September, with no distribution ‌or sale on‍ the market.