Menu
18/10/2018
NI Chief Veterinary Officer Monitors Scottish BSE Case
Northern Ireland's Chief Veterinary Officer has said the discovery of a case of 'mad cow disease' in Scotland does not pose a risk to Northern Ireland cattle.
Dr Robert Huey was speaking after the Scottish Government confirmed a case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) on a farm in Aberdeenshire.
The outbreak is said to be an "isolated case," and the Scottish Government has said there is no risk to human health.
Dr Huey said: "The finding in Scotland does not impact on Northern Ireland's negligible risk status.
"I am in regular contact with my counterpart in Scotland and will continue to monitor the situation as the ongoing investigation into the cause of this case continues.
"We have robust control and surveillance measures in place. We have stringent controls in meat plants and meal companies to ensure meat and bone meal cannot get into feed.
"These measures ensure that beef from Northern Ireland is a quality product and safe to eat."
BSE is a brain disease that infects cows, attacks their central nervous system and is usually fatal.
Symptoms typically include aggression and a lack of co-ordination, leading it to be called 'mad cow disease'.
A cause of the fatal condition is contaminated feed so farmers are urged to comply with legislation and source feed responsibly.
Dr Huey said that while the latest case is disappointing, it shows that robust controls on BSE surveillance are effective in identifying issues.
(JG)
Dr Robert Huey was speaking after the Scottish Government confirmed a case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) on a farm in Aberdeenshire.
The outbreak is said to be an "isolated case," and the Scottish Government has said there is no risk to human health.
Dr Huey said: "The finding in Scotland does not impact on Northern Ireland's negligible risk status.
"I am in regular contact with my counterpart in Scotland and will continue to monitor the situation as the ongoing investigation into the cause of this case continues.
"We have robust control and surveillance measures in place. We have stringent controls in meat plants and meal companies to ensure meat and bone meal cannot get into feed.
"These measures ensure that beef from Northern Ireland is a quality product and safe to eat."
BSE is a brain disease that infects cows, attacks their central nervous system and is usually fatal.
Symptoms typically include aggression and a lack of co-ordination, leading it to be called 'mad cow disease'.
A cause of the fatal condition is contaminated feed so farmers are urged to comply with legislation and source feed responsibly.
Dr Huey said that while the latest case is disappointing, it shows that robust controls on BSE surveillance are effective in identifying issues.
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 May 2021
NI's Healthcare System Has Worst Waiting Times In The UK - RCS
Northern Ireland's healthcare system has the worst waiting times in the UK, according to The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS). RCS has proposed a 10-step action plan to kick-start the post-pandemic recovery of surgical services in Northern Ireland and tackle devastatingly long waiting lists for surgery.
NI's Healthcare System Has Worst Waiting Times In The UK - RCS
Northern Ireland's healthcare system has the worst waiting times in the UK, according to The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS). RCS has proposed a 10-step action plan to kick-start the post-pandemic recovery of surgical services in Northern Ireland and tackle devastatingly long waiting lists for surgery.
23 March 2020
Covid-19: Cases Rise As More People Are Tested
Testing in Northern Ireland has resulted in 20 new cases of coronavirus, bringing totals in the region to 148. An elderly individual yesterday became the second person to lose their life after testing positive for Covid-19. The patient had an underlying medical condition and was receiving treatment in hospital.
Covid-19: Cases Rise As More People Are Tested
Testing in Northern Ireland has resulted in 20 new cases of coronavirus, bringing totals in the region to 148. An elderly individual yesterday became the second person to lose their life after testing positive for Covid-19. The patient had an underlying medical condition and was receiving treatment in hospital.
09 October 2019
Seized Money Donated To Drugs Charity
Over £4,000 seized in a Northern Ireland drug probe has been donated to a local addiction charity. Action on Substances through Community Engagement & Related Training (ASCERT) provides intervention services to those impacted by alcohol and drug related issues in Northern Ireland.
Seized Money Donated To Drugs Charity
Over £4,000 seized in a Northern Ireland drug probe has been donated to a local addiction charity. Action on Substances through Community Engagement & Related Training (ASCERT) provides intervention services to those impacted by alcohol and drug related issues in Northern Ireland.
11 August 2011
Poots Meets MLAs Over Casualty Services
The growing controversy about accident and emergency (A&E) facilities in local hospitals has been addressed at Stormont. The NI Health Minister Edwin Poots has now met a delegation of MLAs from the South Belfast constituency to discuss A&E services in Belfast City Hospital.
Poots Meets MLAs Over Casualty Services
The growing controversy about accident and emergency (A&E) facilities in local hospitals has been addressed at Stormont. The NI Health Minister Edwin Poots has now met a delegation of MLAs from the South Belfast constituency to discuss A&E services in Belfast City Hospital.
15 September 2009
Second NI Swine Flu Tragedy
The second person to have died in Northern Ireland from swine flu may have been an infant. Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said he had been informed by a Trust of a possible death associated with the virus - and while there are no firm details - there's speculation the deceased was a baby.
Second NI Swine Flu Tragedy
The second person to have died in Northern Ireland from swine flu may have been an infant. Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said he had been informed by a Trust of a possible death associated with the virus - and while there are no firm details - there's speculation the deceased was a baby.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
