Bluetongue ‘big threat’ to livestock industry

THE country’s €2.5 billion livestock industry will be brought to a halt if a case of bluetongue virus is confirmed here, Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan disclosed at the National Ploughing Championships at Annaharvey, Tullamore, Co Offaly, yesterday.

Movement of more than 10 million cattle and sheep will be stopped as part of the surveillance zones associated with the virus which is spread by midges and has arrived in Britain from northern Europe.

Ms Coughlan said she was very anxious that an all-Ireland approach to threats posed by the disease and also by foot and mouth is maintained.