Commission assesses surveillance procedures for BSE
Mr. Franz Fischler, Commissioner responsible for agriculture and rural development, has presented the findings of the Commission's veterinary inspectors following their assessment of the presence and management of the main risk factors and surveillance procedures with regard to BSE in 13 Member States (Portugal and the UK were evaluated separately). In summary, the investigations found that there is substantial scope for improvement on the part of the Member States in their activities relating to the detection of BSE and the reduction or elimination of those factors which could cause BSE. Commenting on the report, Mr. Fischler recognized that the situation is unsatisfactory and confirmed that discussions will be taking place with the Member States in relation to rectifying the deficiencies found. The Commission, for its part, will reflect on what further action may need to be taken, including the modification of EU legislation in this area. The report makes a number of recommendations aimed at improving the situation, including: - Stricter controls on meat and bone meal plants to avoid the inclusion of mammalian protein in ruminant feed and to avoid cross contamination between feed destined for non ruminants and ruminant feeding stuffs; - The creation of a network for BSE surveillance at national level, including comprehensive recording of clinical suspects examined for BSE in laboratories; - More research to establish the extent of the presence of the scrapie disease in sheep; - Information and training for those people who have a role to play in surveillance, such as veterinarians and laboratory analysts.