No change to Irish live exports following Northern Ireland bluetongue cases

No changes have been made to live exports from Ireland following suspected cases of bluetongue in Northern Ireland.

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture told the Irish Farmers Journal that no changes have been made to Irish live exports to countries inside or outside the EU, following the recent discovery of suspected bluetongue in Co Down.

“There are currently no changes for livestock from Ireland in respect of exports to the EU or third countries,” they said.

The Department spokesperson reaffirmed what its Northern Ireland counterpart - the Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Rural Affairs (DAERA) - had said, that exports from Northern Ireland to Ireland were only permissible for slaughter.

“Northern Ireland has ceased the movements of bluetongue-susceptible species to Ireland for breeding and production. Movements direct to slaughter from Northern Ireland to Ireland can still continue.”

Enhanced surveillance

The Department of Agriculture is implementing enhanced surveillance measures, the spokesperson said, building on the framework already in place.

“Farmers, veterinary practitioners and other relevant stakeholders should remain vigilant for bluetongue transmission and report any suspect cases to the Department of Agriculture via the local regional veterinary office.

“As bluetongue is spread by midges, disease spread is much less likely in the winter and early spring months.

“However, if the disease becomes established in one part of the island, it will be easier for it to spread during the warmer summer months,” they added.