The beef sector is awaiting the response of Chinese authorities to an epidemiological report submitted following a case of atypical BSE confirmed in May.

In line with agreed protocol, Ireland voluntarily suspended beef exports from 22 May until the report was complete and considered by Chinese officials.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed confirmed that the finalised report has been forwarded to the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing for onward transmission to the relevant authorities.

In response to a question from Fianna Fáil’s Anne Rabbite, Minister Creed said: “Our Embassy is liaising closely with relevant Chinese officials, with a view to seeking an early resumption of the beef trade to China. The decision to resume trade is a matter for the Chinese authorities.”

Value

He said it was not possible to estimate the potential losses of the temporary suspension.

Almost 8,200t of Irish beef worth approximately €40m was shipped to China last year, the first full year the market was open. In the first three months of 2020, some 2,200t worth around €11m was exported.

The suspension of trade came following identification of a suspected case of atypical BSE in a 14-year old cow sent to a knackery in Co Tipperary on 14 May. This was later confirmed on 22 May.

Atypical BSE is believed to occur spontaneously in all cattle populations at a very low rate and has only been identified in older cattle. It is not considered in determining a country’s BSE risk status, so has no implications for Ireland’s controlled risk status.

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Irish beef exports to China suspended