More potential instances of Bluetongue have been detected in Northern Ireland.
An initial suspected outbreak of the virus was discovered in two cattle on a farm near Bangor in Co Down on Saturday, reports RTE.
An additional 44 possible cases have since been found within the same herd, while the original two have now been confirmed as positive, reports RTE.
A ban on livestock movement covering a 20km radius has been implemented, and Stormont’s Department of Agriculture has been coordinating with officials in the Republic of Ireland as part of cross-border containment efforts, reports RTE.
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir at Stormont voiced his disappointment at the situation.
He said further testing is planned on other farms located inside the 20km control area, reports RTE.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon had earlier raised concerns about the outbreak and the possible consequences if it were to escalate, fears that have now materialised, reports RTE.
IFA President Francie Gorman said today that the rising number of cases means the sector — and the island as a whole — must operate at the highest level of vigilance, reports RTE.
“The lower temperatures and reduced midge activity at this time of year does provide the opportunity to contain the outbreak,” he said, reports RTE.
“The Department of Agriculture must work closely with DAERA in NI to achieve this and ensure we don’t have any disruption to trade,” reports RTE.
IFA Animal Health Chair TJ Maher said the Department of Agriculture must act swiftly to secure approval and availability of vaccines.
While Bluetongue poses no risk to human health, it can have severe effects on livestock and the agri-food sector, and movement restrictions apply to all animals in affected zones, reports RTE.
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