Bluetongue confirmed in imported cow in the North

Bluetongue disease was confirmed in the North for the first time today.

The virus was found in a dairy cow imported to the province from the Netherlands, said Stormont Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew.

It was one of 21 heifers shipped to a Co Antrim farm last month.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union called for an immediate voluntary end to livestock imports until further notice.

UFU president Kenneth Starkey said: “The animal involved in this unfolding situation followed all the import control procedures that have been put in place to protect Northern Ireland from the disease.

“The disease has nevertheless emerged so it is now clear the current import controls do not guarantee that we are protected.”