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.