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.