European hay may transfer disease

HAY imported from continental Europe as fodder, mainly for horses, could transfer the bluetongue disease to Ireland, suggested Fine Gael TD Ulick Burke.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan said as part of her department’s contingency arrangements, several potential risks for the introduction of bluetongue to Ireland have been considered and these include the possibility that it might be introduced in hay or straw.

The two principal potential routes for the introduction of the disease are through infected live animals or through infected wind-blown midges.