McIlveen applies for BSE Negligible Risk status

Date published: 03 October 2016

Agriculture, Minister Michelle McIlveen has submitted an application to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for BSE Negligible Risk status for Northern Ireland.

Currently Northern Ireland has Controlled Risk status, as does Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Michelle McIlveen said: “The Department has worked closely with industry representatives on this issue. 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.”

The Minister continued: “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. People can be assured that public safety is our number one consideration at all times.”

Notes to editors: 

  1. A public consultation ran from 21 March until 13 June 2016. Responses to the consultation can be accessed on the DAERA website.
  2. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is one of a group of diseases of the brain which can be fatal.
  3. The Government has had in place a range of livestock, food and feed controls since the late 1980’s which have been very effective in controlling BSE.
  4. There are strict rules laid down for the prevention, control and eradication of such disease.
  5. The UK Government made BSE a notifiable disease in 1988.
  6. Follow us on Twitter at: @daera_ni
  7. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or e-mail DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

Share this page

Back to top