Three calves - born to a cow in Co Louth with a suspected case of BSE - have been traced.

Tests are now being carried out to assess whether they also had the disease.

Investigations are continuing into Ireland's first suspected case of the disease since 2013.

Chairman of the IFA's National Livestock Committee Henry Burns says our advanced systems are showing their strength:

The Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney says investigations into the BSE scare  will focus on the feed given to herd in question.

Tests that are being carried out on the dairy cow will be completed next week, and are expected to confirm the first instance of mad cow disease here since 2013.

Minister Simon Coveney spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning and he told them the mother of the cow at the focus of the tests was imported - while the 'most likely' scenario is that the animal contracted the disease after eating banned meat and bonemeal.

You can listen to his interview below.

While the Finance Minister Michael Noonan has played down fears that the discovery of suspected BSE could damage the Irish economy.

Speaking to Clare FM, Mr Noonan admitted the discovery is disappointing.

However, he is confident it will not spell bad news for Ireland's reputation abroad, provided it remains a one-off.

The Dairy Industry is warning against an over reaction to the suspected case.

The fallen animal was discovered on a farm in the county and did not enter the food chain.

John Comer President of the Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association says the system can cope with an issue like this.