Exports of Irish beef to China have been temporarily suspended because of a case of 'atypical' BSE in a cow.
The Department of Agriculture says it identified a suspected case in a 14-year-old cow on May 14th.
Tests later confirmed it is an atypical case of the disease, which is commonly known as mad cow disease.
The department says it has voluntarily suspended beef exports to China until further notice.
IFA president Tim Cullinan says it's a big concern.
"Obviously it's disappointing but my understanding is that it's a technical issue, one 14 year old cow, just a once off incident.
Obviously, the department have to do a report for the Chinese authorities, hopefully it's a matter of weeks and this issue can be cleared up."
Beef Plan's Jason Fitzgerald hopes the suspension does not stay in place for a long time.
"I believe it should be lifted very shortly if common sense would pervail.
"Our checks are working, it's a 14 year old cow, it's a bit like the horse meat scandal a number of years ago, the checks worked in that case as well, we were able to intervene before any of that meat hit human consumption."
The department insists there are no public health risks associated with this occurrence.
