Brussels, 22/10/2004 (Agence Europe) - In a memorandum forwarded to the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 18 October, the European Commission states that a "proposal to lift the … embargo [on British beef] might be envisaged in 2005" given the large decline in the cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United Kingdom's herd. Most restrictions have been gradually removed over recent years, but the United Kingdom can still not export meat from cattle of over 30 months in age, and boned meat. British meat intended for foreign markets must, moreover, come from slaughter yards that are reserved solely for exportation. There is only one establishment of this kind in the country, which naturally restricts the number of exports possible.
In its document, moreover, the Commission specifies that such a decision will not be taken without certain guarantees. Thus, British authorities should step up efforts to comply with Community BSE screening programmes. Also, the reliability of export rules should be analysed on the spot by inspectors of the EU's Food and Veterinary Office (FVO).
According to figures presented to ministers by Commissioner David Byrne, the number of cases of BSE in the United Kingdom has been divided by twenty in three and a half years (6.5 cases for 10,000 animals between January and July, compared to 124.4 cases detected on average in 2001). This figure is below the number of cases detected on average in Portugal, which benefited last month from the fact that the embargo on beef exports was lifted. Furthermore, the Commission plans to relax other rules to combat BSE in 2005.
Ban on meat-and-bone meal: The Commission foresees amending provisions in the near future with a view to authorising the use of fishmeal in cattle feed.
BSE testing: Revision of testing programmes is envisaged, in particular the age of testing of healthy slaughtered animals (currently 30 months of age).
Specified Risk Material: The Commission foresees downward revision of the age limit for animals for removal of the vertebral column.
Cohort culling in case of BSE: The Commission plans to foresee methods within the International OIE Animal Health Code other than those currently in force which consist of culling the cohorts with BSE.