BSE progress in Scotland and NI
Currently Northern Ireland has ‘controlled risk’ status, as does Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
Northern Ireland could be recognised as an area with ‘negligible risk’ of BSE after a recommendation from the World Organisation for Animal Health’s (OIE) scientific commission. Reports in the Scottish press also suggest BSE regulations in the country ‘might be lifted in the coming months’.
The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland applied for negligible risk status in 2016. The commission’s recommendation will be considered by the OIE World Assembly in May.
Currently Northern Ireland has ‘controlled risk’ status, as does Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. If the country is granted negligible risk status it could facilitate access to new markets around the world.
The news was welcomed by the BVA president Gudrun Ravetz, although she also underlined the importance of continued surveillance in both countries.
Jean Wales, BVA Northern Ireland branch president added: “This is a just reward for the efforts of the veterinary profession and others in the application of BSE controls over the years. While there will be continued need for controls and surveillance, this is good news for the NI agri-food industry and rural economy as new markets are sought for our produce.”
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
