Coughlan: We’re doing all we can to keep it out

AGRICULTURE, Fisheries and Food Minister Mary Coughlan said that her department was being kept up-to-date on developments on the recent foot and mouth outbreaks in Surrey and was closely monitoring the situation.

Ms Coughlan said she was satisfied no further measures, other than those provided for in an EU Commission decision adopted on Monday, were required.

Ms Coughlan confirmed that a complete ban was being maintained on the importation from Britain of cattle, sheep, pigs and goats; fresh and minced meat; meat preparations and meat products from such animals; milk and dairy products and some other animal products.

In certain circumstances, some meat products, dairy products and other animal products may be exported from Britain if accompanied by a health certificate and, in some instances, an endorsed commercial document, the commission has ruled.

With regard to the North, which is not included in the ban, a system of certification will apply in relation to the importation of live animals, meat and meat products, milk and dairy products as well as other animal products. Any products or live animals being imported from today will have to be accompanied by the appropriate certificate. Three days’ notice of animal imports is required. Ms Coughlan’s officials have advised the food industry of the new measures, she said.

She also confirmed that, while horses travelling from Britain, including Irish horses returning from there, would have to be accompanied by an animal health certificate, no such certification requirements would apply to horses travelling from the North.

Ms Coughlan said she had made an order requiring the provision of facilities for the washing, cleansing and disinfecting of vehicles used for transporting cattle, sheep, pigs and goats by any slaughter establishment, port or harbour or any mart, market, fair, show, lairage or other assembly centre.

Adequate cleansing and disinfection were vital to disease prevention.

President of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association Malcolm Thompson said there can “be no complacency until we have a full understanding of how the animals came to be infected and until it is clear that there will be no further disease spread.” Mr Thompson warned there should be a significant rise in Irish lamb and beef prices this week.