A suspected case of BSE is being investigated by the Department of Agriculture in a dead cow taken in by a fallen animal collector in Co Tipperary.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands the Department of Agriculture is awaiting test results to confirm whether it is a case of atypical BSE or classical BSE. However, the finding will not result in any change to Ireland’s OIE status with the World Organisation for Animal Health or the country’s controlled risk status for BSE.

It is believed the animal was a 14-year-old suckler cow.

The last confirmed case of BSE in the Republic of Ireland was an 18-year-old cow in Co Galway in 2017. That was a case of atypical BSE and posed no risk to public health.