IFA urges Government to have vaccines prepared after suspected bluetongue outbreak in Northern Ireland

Dept of Agriculture has implemented measures in response to the discovery

Bluetongue is primarily transmitted through biting midges. The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has urged the Government to ensure vaccines are available after the discovery of a suspected case of bluetongue virus in the North.

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has urged the Government to ensure vaccines are available after the discovery of a suspected case of bluetongue virus in the North.

Bluetongue is primarily transmitted through biting midges. It affects cattle, sheep, and other cloven-footed animals. While it is harmless to humans or food safety, it can have a devastating effect on livestock.

Agriculture minister Martin Heydon said the announcement from the North’s agricultural authority has potentially serious implications.

“If the disease becomes established in one part of the island, it will be that much easier for it to spread — with consequences for animal health and welfare, and financial and emotional stress for farmers,” he said.

“I will be engaging closely with minister Andrew Muir on this, and ensuring that we continue to take a collaborative and supportive approach, building on the very close relationships already in place on animal disease control north and south.”

The Department of Agriculture has started a series of measures in response to the discovery in the North, including on-farm surveillance blood sampling of cattle and sheep; testing livestock submitted to regional veterinary laboratories; sampling of cattle routinely slaughtered at meat plants; and encouraging farmers and veterinarians to report any suspect cases.

IFA president Francie Gorman said the case of suspected bluetongue in Bangor, Co Down, was “very disappointing”.

He said everybody in farming had worked very diligently to avoid this scenario over the last 18 months since the virus was first detected in England.

“Farmers are actively playing their part in monitoring livestock for any signs of the disease, reporting any suspicions to their vets and the department,” he said.

A vet administers a dose of vaccine.  Picture: Nicolas Maeterlinck/BelgaMag/AFP via Getty Images)

“The Department of Agriculture must immediately move to have trade from Ireland facilitated should BTV 3 be found here. We cannot have any disruption for this vital trade,” he added.

IFA animal health chairperson TJ Maher said the department must move to have vaccines licensed and available for use.

Mr Heydon said: “It is important to note that, because bluetongue is spread by midges, disease spread is much less likely in the winter and early spring months. I am taking firm action now to carry out enhanced and targeted surveillance to find the disease, if it is here.”