Sir, The occurrence of a case of BSE in Moorepark has refuelled the public disquiet regarding safe food production on Irish farms. Had this case occurred on a private farm, it would have been added anonymously to the declining monthly figures published each month which attract less media attention.
While it is a source of concern and disappointment that the country should have a BSE case in such a high-profile research centre, the Irish Veterinary Association understands from statements by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food that the same measures will apply to this case as in any other herd, where public health supersedes all other considerations. There is also some reassurance to be gained from the fact that the system in place to detect and investigate all suspected cases was followed in this case, and that the result was reported publicly.
The investigation into this case will form part of the ongoing research into BSE, and may add to the scientific knowledge on the disease. The current state of such knowledge indicates that this case is one of those expected to occur as the crisis diminishes. The most important lesson to keep in mind is that constant vigilance is required to maintain the safety and integrity of our food chain. A properly audited food safety assurance scheme is the only means by which this can be achieved, and should be implemented as a matter of urgency. In the meantime we sincerely hope that Moorepark will recover from this setback and continue it's valuable work, which benefits agriculture and the country. - Yours, etc., Aidan Foley, President,
Irish Veterinary Association,
Lansdowne Road,
Dublin 4.