Consignment of cattle develops immunity to bluetongue

TESTS have revealed 24 imported cattle in one consignment had been exposed to bluetongue in the past but are free of the virus, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Mary Coughlan disclosed last night.

“These animals are free of the virus. They had developed a natural immunity and accordingly are not a threat to animal health,” she said.

Ms Coughlan said the discovery was made during routine post-importation tests by her department. A total of 512 imported cattle have been tested since the adoption of revised trading rules last November