Eurolink News

Farmers told to be vigilant following latest bluetongue outbreaks (30/10/08)

October 30, 2008 at 6:10 pm Leave a comment

Irish farmers are being advised not to import animals from a number of EU countries where cases of bluetongue have been confirmed. Strains of the virus have been discovered in Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the UK since the current outbreak began in August 2006. Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith said there are several different strains of the virus at large in various member states, particularly BTV1 in France.
It had been hoped that the disease would be killed off with the onset of cold weather, however two recent instances of the virus in the Netherlands and the UK have prompted fresh fears for Irish farmers.
‘We’re at the mercy of nature,’ said Malcolm Thompson of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association, adding that there’s no way to ensure that the virus doesn’t cross the Irish Sea.
Bluetongue is spread by midges. It mainly affects sheep, although cattle and goats can also carry the virus without displaying visible signs. Irish farmers and vets are being offered leaflets advising them what to do in the event of an outbreak, while the Department of Agriculture has prepared emergency plans.
If the disease reaches Ireland, it’s feared it could impact badly on the Irish animal export sector. Nine out of ten Irish cattle are shipped overseas, and the export trade has already been damaged by restrictions on the movement of livestock in mainland Europe.

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