Farmers in Northern Ireland are being urged to remain vigilant for signs of the Bluetongue virus after it was detected in two cattle imported from France into Britain by stringent post-import checks.

Increased vigilance

Calling for increased vigilance here, Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer Dr Robert Huey is reminding all farmers to source animals responsibly and to be aware of the risks associated with sourcing animals from continental Europe.

“Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, but can have a severe impact on affected farms and to international trade.

The main risk to Northern Ireland remains the import of infected animals

“While the UK’s robust disease surveillance procedures have worked, the latest identification of the virus reminds farmers for the need to remain vigilant and highlights the risks of importing animals from disease-affected areas into their herds.

“The main risk to Northern Ireland remains the import of infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova). Farmers should consider the potentially severe consequences of importing animals from, or transiting through, Bluetongue-affected countries or zones.

Risks

"The risk is not only to themselves, but to our whole industry, as trade can be badly affected as a result. It is vital that all of us continue to work hard to keep Bluetongue out," Dr Huey said.

He added that anyone who imports from Bluetongue-affected countries or zones faces the possibility that if the imported animals are subsequently found to be infected with Bluetongue, then they will be slaughtered and no compensation will be paid.

Detection

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in Britain picked up the infected animals through the post-import testing regime.

The agency is working closely with the farmer affected to ensure that swift action is taken to prevent the spread of the disease, with movement restrictions at the affected premises, targeted surveillance and the humane culling of animals, where necessary.

The UK remains officially Bluetongue-free and exports are not affected.

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