FG wants emergency meeting after latest FMD outbreak

Farmers called on the Government today to re-impose strict bio-security measures after confirmation of another suspected foot-and-mouth outbreak in Britain.

It comes just days after the State lifted restrictions imposed in the wake of last month’s scare, which saw a ban on UK farm exports and the setting up of disinfection points at Irish ports and airports.

Both the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) pledged their support for the roll-out of full bio-security measures.

Opposition politicians called on Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan to convene an emergency meeting to discuss the threat.

But a spokesman for her department said no comment would be made until the latest outbreak was confirmed.

ICSA president Malcolm Thompson said: “Although the disease has not been confirmed, we have that sinking feeling again.

“This disease is known to have a three-week incubation period, and that period has passed, so it raises many worrying questions if this outbreak is confirmed.

“This disease does not just affect UK farmers, but Irish farmers also, such is our proximity.

“I would also call on Irish Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan to swiftly implement the bio-security measures at ports and airports again.”

Last week Ms Coughlan announced the discontinuation in Ireland of bio-security measures, such as the removal of disinfectant points from ports and airports, after Britain was declared free from foot-and-mouth.

A ban on the importation from Britain of live cattle, sheep, pigs and goats, as well as fresh meat, meat products, raw milk and other animal products was also lifted, a Department of Agriculture spokesman confirmed.

While last month’s outbreak did not, as feared, lead to the cancellation of major agricultural gatherings such as the Dublin Horse Show, precautionary measures were imposed, including the segregation of waste from UK and non-UK animals.

If today’s suspected outbreak at a farm in the Egham area of Surrey, around 48km from the scene of the last outbreak in August, is confirmed, it is expected bio-security measures will be re-imposed in the Republic with immediate effect to prevent the spread of the disease to Irish shores.

“We will not be commenting until, if and when the case is confirmed later this afternoon,” a Department of Agriculture spokesman said.

Opposition party Fine Gael called on Ms Coughlan to convene an emergency meeting to discuss the latest threat.

Party agriculture spokesman Denis Naughten said: “Following the very recent declaration that Britain was free from foot-and-mouth this new outbreak is devastating news.

“Nobody in Ireland underestimates the consequences of its spread into this country and that means we must return to high alert as a matter of urgency.

“The fact that this suspected outbreak is outside the standard monitoring timetable gives rise to serious concern as to the source and spread of the disease.

“It is of the utmost importance that the minister convenes a meeting with all available expertise to put the maximum possible protection measures in place.

“Because this latest suspected outbreak is outside the original exclusion zone, it is vital to establish whether it originates from the same source or a new one.”