Offspring of BSE Positive Cases
Certain offspring of BSE positive cases have to be destroyed. In that event compensation is paid by the Department.
European Regulation (EC) 999/2001, as amended, details measures to be taken by Member States for the prevention, control and eradication of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) which includes BSE in cattle. It is enforced in Northern Ireland by the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008. A requirement under EC Regulation 999/2001 is that certain offspring of BSE positive cases are identified, slaughtered and completely destroyed.
Tracing
On notification to the Department of a suspect BSE animal, or on receipt by the Department of a positive rapid screening test result in respect of an animal sampled under the TSE monitoring programme, relevant offspring of the animal concerned are automatically identified on the Department’s Animal & Public Health Information computer System (APHIS) and a notice restricting movement off-farm is issued. Restricted offspring animals remain the responsibility of the herd keeper.
If BSE is confirmed in the suspect animal the restricted offspring animals born within 2 years prior to, or after, clinical onset of BSE in the dam will be valued and slaughtered by the Department. A brain stem sample will be taken from the offspring animal for BSE testing and the carcase destroyed. If BSE is not confirmed in the dam, the movement restrictions will be withdrawn and no offspring animals would require slaughter.
Compensation
Compensation for offspring animals, slaughtered by DARD, is paid at the market value.
