Currently NI has controlled-risk BSE status. Before applying to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for negligible-risk status, a consultation has to be conducted by DARD seeking views because the issue crosses over to public health.

Although launched on Friday, the consultation will not be open for public viewing until Monday at 9am. It will be available on DARD’s website and will close to responses on 13 June.

NI meets the requirements to apply for negligible-risk status as the last case of BSE, in 2012, was in a cow born more than 11 years ago. It is understood, however, that it could be at least May 2017 before the status is secured.

Announcing the launch of the consultation today, minister for agriculture Michelle O’Neill said there is considerable support in the industry to secure BSE negligible-risk status. She added that it could help improve Northern Ireland's global image as a disease-free area and help open new export markets.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal in January about NI applying for a low-risk BSE status, chief executive of the NI Meat Exporters’ Association Conall Donnelly said: “The main thing for us now is that DARD has indicated that they are committed to building a case. We would like to see significant progress made this year.”

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