UFU backs application for BSE negligible risk status
Northern Ireland has submitted an application to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to seek official BSE negligible risk status.
Currently Northern Ireland has 'controlled risk' status, as does Britain and the Republic of Ireland and NI Farm Minister, Michelle McIlveen said the Department has worked closely with industry representatives on the issue of BSE.
"There is considerable support for the view that if we could secure BSE Negligible Risk status, it could help improve our global image as a disease-free area and possibly provide access to new markets across the world for our premium exports," said McIlveen.
"Although we are keen to support any initiative which might have the potential to drive export growth, we have ensured that the views of other stakeholders, including retailers and consumers, have been considered through the consultation process.
"I have also involved the Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency in this proposal from an early stage in order to get the best possible advice from a public health perspective."
Eating BSE-infected meat was linked to an outbreak of brain disease in humans in the 80s.
The last confirmed case in Northern Ireland was in 2012.
As 11 years have elapsed since that animal's date of birth, the authorities can apply for the enhanced status.
Positive image
Commenting on this announcement, UFU Deputy President, Victor Chestnutt said: "The UFU have been pressing the government since December of last year to prioritise this application, seeing it as a way to dismantle costly BSE controls that are no longer proportionate to the risk."
He added that while the current 'controlled risk' status opened many markets, the NR status would send 'a more positive image' of our animal health status to countries the local beef industry wants to access.
"Our industry has worked hard to get into a position where we can supply a product that meets world-leading standards.
"However we have been held back by the stigma associated with BSE as we try to access new markets," said Mr Mr Chestnutt.
He added that Northern Ireland has the right credentials to apply for 'BSE negligible risk status' and it is hoped the outcome will be positive at the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) annual congress in Paris, May 2017.
