Farmers need to ‘remain vigilant’

THE detection last week of fresh cases of bluetongue among imported cattle in Britain has led to Macra na Feirme calling on Irish farmers to remain vigilant.

A cow on a farm near Dorchester, which had been imported from France, was found with the virus while six imported cattle from Germany were also found to be infected on a farm in Worcestershire.

A further 18 cattle from Germany also tested positive for bluetongue on a County Durham farm. Macra na Feirme’s agricultural affairs committee chairman Eddie O’Donnell said yesterday that bluetongue in Britain poses a serious threat to the livestock and sheep industry in Ireland. Imports of all animals for breeding or slaughter should be suspended on a voluntary basis, he said.

Mr O’Donnell said livestock haulers and farmers need to be aware of the potential risks to domestic animal health from importing animals.

“We must take a very stringent approach when it comes to implementing control measures in relation to the virus,” he said.

Mr O’Donnell said recent Macra survey results indicated that young farmers believe there is a lot to be done in reassuring the agri-sector that the Government is doing enough to keep bluetongue out of Ireland.

In the unfortunate event of an outbreak, vaccination would be required. A farmer administered scheme would be the most effective means of protecting Ireland’s sheep and livestock from the disease, he said. A total of 145 confirmed premises have been affected by bluetongue in Britain since it was first detected there last year.