Archive Article: 2000/06/16
EURO-BRIEFS
• FRANCE launched its BSE testing programme this week, designed to evaluate the true incidence of the disease in its herd. Using a post-mortem test from Swiss company Prionics, up to 48,000 brains from cattle that have died suspiciously will be examined. First results are expected in the autumn.
• TWO new cases of BSE were reported in France this week, bringing the official number so far this year to 20. In keeping with national legislation, the herds in which the animals concerned were born or maintained have been destroyed, involving the slaughter of 425 animals.
• IRISH sheep farmers have demanded a sheep price summit to be organised by the Dublin government, following consecutive cuts in payments by meat factories. IFA president Tom Parlon described the situation as "critical", with lamb prices 10-12p/lb down on last year, and a 20% cut in sheep annual premium.
• EU farm ministers will vote on commission proposals for a pan-European policy to destroy specified risk materials in cattle and sheep, when they meet in Luxembourg on Monday (June 19).
EU vets failed to support the measure last week, but next weeks vote could be close if ministers can come up with a suitable plan to deal with Third country imports.