Consultation on Draft TSE Regulations 2008

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies, otherwise known as TSEs, are fatal brain diseases suffered by a variety of species, the most common being BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) in cattle and Scrapie in sheep. Less common are scrapie in goats, Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer and Feline Spongiform Encephalopathy in cats.

Rules for the prevention, control and eradication of TSEs are regulated under EU law by Regulation (EC) No 999/2001.  Currently provisions to administer and enforce the EU rules in Northern Ireland are contained in the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 and the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008.

Since the TSE Regulations came into force in May 2006 there have been a number of amendments made to the EU legislation. There has also been a need to review the contents of the Regulations to ensure that lessons learnt since the change which permitted entry to the food chain of cattle over 30 months of age are incorporated in the domestic legislation.  The Department is therefore proposing to update and replace the Regulations to incorporate these revisions.

Replies to this consultation are welcome and should be sent to Gerard Lennon by 26 September 2008 at:-

or by post to:-

Gerard Lennon

TSE Branch

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Room 714, Dundonald House

Upper Newtownards Road

BELFAST BT4 3SB