First BSE case in animal born after controls tightened
The first case of BSE in a five year-old animal has been found in the Republic.
Until the discovery the Department of Agriculture had said its controls had ensured that no animal had been born with the disease since 1996.
However the Department said the confirmation of a case born in 1997 was not unexpected.
"While the enhanced feed and SMR controls introduced in this country in late 1996 and early 1997 have dramatically reduced the exposure of animals born after that time to the disease, it was regarded a distinct possibility that some animals born after the tightening of controls would develop the disease," the Department said in a statement.
It also said several cases have also been found in Britain and Northern Ireland in cattle born after controls were introduced.
The discovery was made at a knackery and the Department said epidemiological investigations into the case was ongoing.
The case brings to 139, the total number of BSE cases discovered in 2002.