New measures against Bluetongue disease introduced

New restrictions on the importation of livestock come into effect from today.

The Department of Agriculture's introducing the measures as a precaution against a new strain of Bluetongue disease.

The new rules mean only cattle, sheep and goats less than 90 days old, or with proven immunity to the disease, can be brought into the country from Bluetongue-restricted areas.

President of the Irish Farmers Association, Padraig Walshe, says the restrictions are of vital importance.