No boundaries for disease

Nowhere was the fragility of our agricultural prosperity more evident that at the recent One Island – One Health scientific conference of State veterinarians from north and south in Dublin.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney reminded those present that animal disease does not respect borders, and high standards of animal health and welfare are the bedrock of the agri-food industry on the island of Ireland.

Most threats, like foot and mouth, arrive without warning, and contingency planning plays a big role, said James Casey of the Veterinary Officers Association.