Exports of Irish beef to China have been temporarily suspended because of a case of 'atypical' BSE.
The Department of Agriculture says the case of BSE, commonly known as mad cow disease, was detected in a 14-year-old cow.
The department says it has voluntarily suspended beef exports to China until further notice.
IFA president Tim Cullinan says it is a big concern.
“Obviously it’s disappointing but my understanding is it’s a technical issue with one 14-year-old cow.”
He said it was just a “once-off incident.”
He said the Department will have to do a report for the Chinese authorities and added that “hopefully it will be a matter of weeks and this issue can be cleared up.”
Humans who consume BSE-infected meat can potentially develop a fatal condition called CJD, or Variant-CJD.
