Cull of cows and calves on farm over bluetongue case

A CULL of cows and calves on the north Antrim farm where bluetongue was confirmed in a single imported animal was ordered yesterday by the North’s Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew.

The infected cow, which was part of a group of cattle imported from the Netherlands, was culled on a precautionary basis last Thursday. On Friday, the calf of the cow was also culled due to the risks of virus transmission before birth.

Efforts continued over the week to establish if further action is necessary in order to contain the disease.

“Consequently, I have taken the decision to carry out a cull of 23 cows and their calves as a precaution,” said Ms Gildernew. “I am focused on ensuring that the disease is contained through quick, decisive action.

“The affected farm will remain under restriction and surveillance until we are satisfied that there is no further risk of infection from that herd,” she said.

Ms Gildernew added that she was keeping Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan informed and is also liaising with other stakeholders.

She said the cull was carried out as the latest blood tests on the herd had detected the presence of antibody or virus in another four calves born to the group.

“This result does not mean that the disease is circulating here, and at present the North retains its bluetongue-free status,” she said.

Ms Gildernew welcomed a call by the Ulster Farmers’ Union or a voluntary ban to import animals from bluetongue-affected areas.

Meanwhile, all cattle and sheep recently imported from the North and those still on farms here are being traced and tested for bluetongue.

Cattle and sheep from the North, other than those going direct to slaughter, will be subject to post-importation test for bluetongue, as is currently the case for cattle being imported from other places.

Ms Coughlan said despite having done in excess of 1,700 post-importation tests, no bluetongue has been detected here.

Labour Party agriculture spokesman Sean Sherlock, TD, said it was fortuitous the case in north Antrim had come to light when the midges that infect animals with the virus, have not yet emerged.

“Farmers need more information about this disease, and about the measures in place to tackle it,” he said.

Mr Sherlock called for the setting up of a dedicated bio-security unit to handle and contain the virus if and when it arrives.