The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has said that the evidence that has emerged so far on the two confirmed cases of bluetongue in Northern Ireland points to the disease being “highly localised” and “driven by unusual midge activity”.
UFU president William Irvine stated the union’s priorities are ensuring that farmers receive clear information and that the disease situation is led by proportionate, science-based decision-making.
Irvine spoke on Thursday, the day after the bluetongue virus (BTV-3) was confirmed in two cows on a farm near Bangor, Co Down, and as the results of lab tests carried out on 44 suspect cases were still awaited.
“The confirmation of BTV-3 is naturally concerning for farmers, but all the evidence presented to us indicates that this is a highly localised issue driven by unusual midge activity in that specific area,” Irvine said.
'No risk'
“It is important to stress that there is no risk to public health, no impact on the food chain and no intention to cull animals at this time.”
Irvine called for clarity from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on the implications of the 20km temporary control zone for farmers within the disease area.
“Movement restrictions within the 20km zone will be incredibly frustrating for the farm businesses caught up in them,” he continued.
“We are pressing DAERA to ensure movement-to-slaughter arrangements operate smoothly and that any further changes to restrictions are communicated quickly and clearly to stakeholders.”
The UFU wants any future livestock movement restrictions to “remain proportionate, practical and based firmly on science” as it highlighted a need for certainty on the possibility of pre-movement testing and its implications for trade with Britain.
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The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has said that the evidence that has emerged so far on the two confirmed cases of bluetongue in Northern Ireland points to the disease being “highly localised” and “driven by unusual midge activity”.
UFU president William Irvine stated the union’s priorities are ensuring that farmers receive clear information and that the disease situation is led by proportionate, science-based decision-making.
Irvine spoke on Thursday, the day after the bluetongue virus (BTV-3) was confirmed in two cows on a farm near Bangor, Co Down, and as the results of lab tests carried out on 44 suspect cases were still awaited.
“The confirmation of BTV-3 is naturally concerning for farmers, but all the evidence presented to us indicates that this is a highly localised issue driven by unusual midge activity in that specific area,” Irvine said.
'No risk'
“It is important to stress that there is no risk to public health, no impact on the food chain and no intention to cull animals at this time.”
Irvine called for clarity from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on the implications of the 20km temporary control zone for farmers within the disease area.
“Movement restrictions within the 20km zone will be incredibly frustrating for the farm businesses caught up in them,” he continued.
“We are pressing DAERA to ensure movement-to-slaughter arrangements operate smoothly and that any further changes to restrictions are communicated quickly and clearly to stakeholders.”
The UFU wants any future livestock movement restrictions to “remain proportionate, practical and based firmly on science” as it highlighted a need for certainty on the possibility of pre-movement testing and its implications for trade with Britain.
Read more
Bluetongue outbreak would not see export ban
Bluetongue in NI confirmed as more suspected
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