Gildernew warns farmers not to become complacent about Bluetongue

Minister Michelle Gildernew MLA has today warned farmers against importing cattle or sheep which may have been exposed to the bluetongue virus.

The Minister's message comes as we move into the higher risk period when the midges that spread the virus are most active.

Outlining her concerns, the Minister said: "Complacency will be our biggest enemy this year in the fight to retain Bluetongue Free status. Even though vaccination appears to be working in countries that have Bluetongue, until the disease is eradicated there continues to be a risk from importing animals from these affected areas. I would again urge those who may consider importing cattle and sheep from bluetongue affected areas, to think extremely carefully and consider the potential consequences of bringing Bluetongue here.

“I have highlighted on a number of occasions the devastating economic effect an outbreak of Bluetongue would have on our local industry. The majority of the farming community have heeded that warning but there are still some who will put their own interests before the rest of the industry. I acknowledge that farmers may consider importing breeding cattle and sheep to improve the quality of stock, but I urge them to weigh any potential benefit against the risk posed by importing Bluetongue. They should consider other safer options such as import of semen or embryos.”

The Minister concluded: “My message has not changed, we need to keep Bluetongue out and do whatever is necessary to make that possible. Every farmer has a responsibility to heed my appeal and the appeals from farming unions. Do not put your own farm business, and the industry at risk, by importing livestock from Bluetongue affected areas.”

DARD continues to have regular contact with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Dublin to ensure that measures, throughout the island, are appropriate and are sufficient to protect the bluetongue free status of the whole island.

Notes to editors:

1. DARD reviews and updates its Veterinary Risk Assessment on an ongoing basis in light of new developments, to ensure the measures in place are appropriate and timely.
2. DARD is continuing to work in partnership with key stakeholders to mitigate the threat of Bluetongue incursion.
3. Industry stakeholders have also called for farmers to act responsibly.
4. The Bluetongue leaflet which outlines the clinical signs of Bluetongue is available on the DARD website. A Question and Answer guide to Bluetongue is available on the DARD website.
5. The Bluetongue virus is mainly spread by midges, which transfer the virus from animal to animal by biting them, but there is also evidence of spread transplacentally and by contact with infected matter. The first detection of Bluetongue (BTV8) in Britain was reported on 22 September 2007.
6. Advice on the treatment of animals and vehicles with insecticide is on the DARD website.
7. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.