Announcing the measures the Minister said: "Following confirmation of the disease in England, I have taken the precautionary step of closing local ports to animals from GB."
She went on to say: "Everything that can be done will be done to contain this incident from becoming a major outbreak.
"I will continue to be fully briefed over the week-end and will take whatever measures necessary to protect the local industry."
Following an investigation of suspected vesicular disease on the holding laboratory tests have this evening indicated the presence of Foot and Mouth Disease in samples from cattle at the premises.
In line with EU legislation and the National Contingency Plan, DEFRA has tonight imposed a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the premises. A GB wide national movement ban on all ruminants and pigs has also been imposed.
The Minister has put in place a ban on ruminants and pigs coming into Northern Ireland from GB. She has also revoked all DARD Specific Import Licences with immediate effect.
DARD is working closely with officials in the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin to ensure a co-ordinated approach to minimise the risk of introducing the disease to the Island of Ireland.
An emergency meeting of the Executive has been called tomorrow in Stormont to monitor the on-going situation and ensure a comprehensive plan is put in place.
Helpline number is 02890 524824
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- FMD is a disease of cattle and very few human cases have ever been recorded even though the disease is endemic in animals in many parts of the world including Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America. Foot and mouth disease only crosses the species barrier from cattle to human with very great difficulty. The last human case reported in Britain occurred in 1966. The disease in humans, in the very rare cases that have occurred, is mild, short-lived and requires no medical treatment.
- Ruminants means cattle and sheep.
- All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone: 028 9052 4619.
