Call for import ban to combat bluetongue

FARMERS have called for tighter bluetongue controls as the virus continues to spread in Britain and Wales.

Measures were introduced by Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Mary Coughlan last month, suspending the importation of certain cattle and sheep from bluetongue-restricted zones.

Similar action was taken by her Belfast counterpart, Michelle Gildernew, to bring the North into line with the south.