Threat of bluetongue must stop live animal imports, says ICMSA

ANY person importing livestock at this time is doing a major disservice to the Irish farm sector because of the ongoing threat of bluetongue.

That’s the view of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, which described the risk as real and one that should not be underestimated.

ICMSA Beef and Cattle Committee chairperson Martin McMahon said the animal health and welfare consequences of bluetongue reaching Ireland, as well as the potential financial losses to farmers would be severe.

Every individual in the agriculture sector, be they farmers, meat processors, livestock agents and dealers, has a major duty to minimise the risk of bluetongue spreading to Ireland, he said.

“One of the key measures to prevent the spread of bluetongue is to cease the import of livestock until such time as its risk has receded and we receive expert advice that it is safe to resume,” he said.

Mr McMahon said the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has informed the ICMSA that there are still animals being imported, which was “very regrettable”.

He said there have been over 4,500 cases of bluetongue in France already this year which reached Britain in 2007.

“However, with the proper precautions, Ireland can avoid bluetongue and one of the key instruments towards that end is the suspension of animal imports,” he said.

The north’s agriculture minister Michelle Gildernew has also urged farmers in that jurisdiction to remain vigilant.

“The next few months are the highest risk period and farmers need to be aware and should not be complacent,” she said.