Gildernew supports Dairy Industry stance on Bluetongue

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has welcomed plans by the Dairy Industry to write to all their dairy producers about the risks of importing animals from bluetongue areas.

Discussing the ongoing fight against bluetongue, the Minister said: “Bluetongue still poses a very real threat to our industry. The Dairy Industry are writing to all producers reminding them that it is imperative that individually and collectively they do everything possible to minimise the risk of Bluetongue coming here.”

The Minister continued ”The Dairy Industry have taken this action as they recognise the potentially devastating impact bluetongue would have on their sector. Like me they too are concerned over the recent increase in imports of cattle from mainland Europe.  I welcome their support for my continued message to all potential importers to act responsibly and keep bluetongue out of the island of Ireland.”

Dr. Mike Johnston Dairy UK NI Director added ”Bluetongue is of particular significance to the dairy industry as the disease can affect milk production and fertility rates on infected farms and  make it much more difficult to sell into valuable  export markets.”

Gross Turnover for the Dairy Processing Sector in 2008 was in the region of £750 million.  In a worst case scenario, the introduction of Bluetongue here could cause problems for sales to countries outside of the European Union worth an estimated £44 million in 2007 or 6% of the gross turnover of the Dairy Processing Sector.

DARD continues to work in partnership with key stakeholders to mitigate the risk of bluetongue entering the north of Ireland.

Farmers should remain vigilant for signs of disease and report any concerns to their own veterinarian or local Divisional Veterinary Office.

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. Further information on bluetongue and the signs are on the DARD Website.  
3. Office on 028 9052 4619 or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
4. A copy of the picture that issued with this Press Release is available on request from the Press Office.