The focus of everyone must be on containing the suspected case of bluetongue that has been identified in Northern Ireland, Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) president Denis Drennan has said.
He said the Government and all players in the industry must make this their priority in the coming weeks.
“Given the time of year, a suspect case is both surprising and hugely concerning for farmers and the wider industry,” Drennan said.
He added that everyone needs to be extra cautious in the coming weeks. Farmers should contact their vet if they have any concerns about their own animals as early detection is critical in containing this very serious disease, he advised.
On Saturday night, Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirmed that its vets were investigating a suspected case of bluetongue virus on a farm near Bangor, Co Down.
Two cows were tested for the disease, with the results indicating that bluetongue virus was present.
Control measures
Disease disease control measures have been implemented, with a 20km temporary control zone (TCZ) introduced.
Moves of susceptible species (cattle, sheep, goats, deer and llamas/alpacas) on or off premises within the zone are now banned while officials carry out further investigations.
Moves direct to slaughter are permitted under a general licence available on the DAERA website.
Read more
Suspected bluetongue case in Co Down under investigation
Critical 'everything is done to prevent bluetongue spread' - IFA
The focus of everyone must be on containing the suspected case of bluetongue that has been identified in Northern Ireland, Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) president Denis Drennan has said.
He said the Government and all players in the industry must make this their priority in the coming weeks.
“Given the time of year, a suspect case is both surprising and hugely concerning for farmers and the wider industry,” Drennan said.
He added that everyone needs to be extra cautious in the coming weeks. Farmers should contact their vet if they have any concerns about their own animals as early detection is critical in containing this very serious disease, he advised.
On Saturday night, Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirmed that its vets were investigating a suspected case of bluetongue virus on a farm near Bangor, Co Down.
Two cows were tested for the disease, with the results indicating that bluetongue virus was present.
Control measures
Disease disease control measures have been implemented, with a 20km temporary control zone (TCZ) introduced.
Moves of susceptible species (cattle, sheep, goats, deer and llamas/alpacas) on or off premises within the zone are now banned while officials carry out further investigations.
Moves direct to slaughter are permitted under a general licence available on the DAERA website.
Read more
Suspected bluetongue case in Co Down under investigation
Critical 'everything is done to prevent bluetongue spread' - IFA
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