Portugal asked to explain alarmingrise in BSE

22 September 1998

Portugal asked to explain ‘alarming’rise in BSE

THE European Commission has asked Portugal to explain an “alarming” rise in cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

The European Union has criticised Portugals implementation of controls to fight the spread of the disease. Portugal has until Friday to respond.

Dr Franz Fischler, EU farm commissioner, said he could not exclude the possibility of banning beef exports from Portugal. It was also considering taking legal action.

Portugals problem with BSE is small in comparison with the UKs 170,000 cases.

• Financial Times 22/09/98 page 2