Consignment of cattle develops immunity to bluetongue
“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
She urged all livestock farmers and traders to be conscious of the risks involved in importing cattle and sheep, even high genetic breeding stock, from bluetongue zones.
Ms Coughlan said she had taken unilateral action last week to suspend the importation from bluetongue restricted zones of female breeding and production cattle aged over 12 months and female sheep aged over six months.
This was a precautionary measure based on recent scientific information and consistent with her commitment to keep the level of risk to Ireland under review, she said.
IFA deputy president Derek Deane earlier called for an urgent meeting with Ms Coughlan in light of bluetongue developments in the north and the repercussions an outbreak would have in the south.
He said the steps announced by Ms Coughlan last Friday were in the right direction but were still inadequate. Farmers believe she has not taken enough precautions.
