Volume 3: The Early Years, 1986-88
6. Notification of the ruminant feed ban to other countries
Israel bans imports of live cattle from Europe

6.18 On 23 June Mr Cruickshank of MAFF's Animal Health Group sent Mr Andrews a submission for Ministers on BSE proposing, in the light of recommendations by the Southwood Working Party, a policy of slaughter and compensation. On the subject of exports he noted:

The only country to have taken action so far is Israel. They have stopped imports of live cattle from this country. Unfortunately they have also stopped imports from other Member States, on the basis that cattle can move from here to the rest of the Community. This may trigger possible Community discussion on the subject. In addition the Australian and Northern Irish authorities are showing some concern about trade in cattle and the Netherlands on the export of meat and bone meal. ¹

6.19 An internal BSE update, produced by the CVL in July 1988, observed the following in respect of the export of MBM:

Is offal exported from GB to the Continent? Yes, it is exported in reasonable quantities to various countries within Europe and also to the Middle East. No disease has been reported from these countries as yet. Most of the meat and bone meal is exported to Rotterdam and here it is made into various products and it has proved very difficult to find out what products it is included in and where those products go to. Protein supplements are also directly exported from GB. ²