The case was discovered through the Department’s surveillance system on fallen animals. The animal was not presented for slaughter and did not enter the food chain.

Tests are currently taking place and the results will be available in one week. If confirmed, this will be the first BSE case found in Ireland since 2013.

The animal involved is a five-year-old dairy cow. The Department is undertaking a full investigation into all relevant factors in this case - including a full epidemiological examination.

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Just last week Ireland was recognised as having a negligible BSE risk, moving into the elite category list. Ireland will revert to “controlled risk status” if the case is confirmed.

IFA reaction

IFA President Eddie Downey said the case illustrates the effectiveness of the control systems in place in Ireland.

He added that traceability and monitoring controls adopted by farmers and the sector are robust and a random case is not unusual.

Read more: What BSE negligible risk status means for farmers