Press Release: Byrne welcomes Danish measures to remove specific risk materials in order to combat BSE

European Commissioner David Byrne met the Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Ritt Bjerregaard a few days after the first native case of BSE was confirmed in Denmark. Mr Byrne welcomed the Danish initiative to remove specific risk materials (SRMs) from cattle a decision which is in line with the Commission's proposals. He encouraged other Member States to do likewise as SRMs are the most infective part of cattle. Byrne also announced that BSE testing will be reinforced and the Commission will come forward with a proposal to this end in March/April.