UNMIK/PR/554
PRISTINA---UNMIK authorities have categorically denied reports printed in newspapers in Kosovo on Tuesday that a case of mad cow disease (BSE) had been found in Klina.
An investigation by the Division of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (DAFRD) revealed that there was absolutely no basis to these reports. There are no cases of reported disease, in Kosovo, the Balkans or indeed in eastern Europe.
DAPH also denied press reports that one cow had been vaccinated against BSE, saying there was no existing vaccine against the disease.
It explained that UNMIK had taken several steps to prevent BSE entering Kosovo. In December 2000, UNMIK promulgated Regulation 2000/69 on the conditions for the import of live animals into Kosovo, which requires all animals to be accompanied by an official veterinary certificate stating that the animals originate from BSE-free herds and BSE-free farms.
In January 2001, UNMIK promulgated Executive Direction 2001/01 banning the import, possession and use of animal proteins in animal feed and fertilizers (animal protein is the recognized as the vehicle of infection into virgin herds). In January/February this year, the department conducted an investigation into the type of animal feed used in Kosovo and did not find any evidence of it containing animal protein.