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24/09/2007
NI Farmers To Remain Vigilant Over Bluetongue
Farmers across the province have been urged to remain vigilant for symptoms of the Bluetongue disease today.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) issued the warning in response to the detection of the animal disease in one cow on Saturday, on a premises near Ipswich, Suffolk in England.
Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease, which affects cattle, goats, deer and sheep.
It does not pose any risk to human health and is spread only by infected biting midges.
However, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has said the confirmed case in the East of England is a worry for the local farming industry in Northern Ireland.
Kenneth Sharkey, President of the UFU, said: “This disease, which is carried by midges, has spread relentlessly across Northern Europe in the past few years. News that an incident has emerged in England will heighten concerns in the local industry that the disease may eventually appear on the island of Ireland.
“The disease has only been confirmed in a single animal and this will not be treated as a confirmed outbreak unless evidence emerges that the disease is circulating. We will be co-operating fully with DARD and DEFRA to do whatever is possible to minimise this threat.”
Mr Sharkey said the two major implications of the disease are that it causes mortality, particularly in infected sheep flocks, but also in cattle; and an outbreak locally would mean the introduction of control zones, potentially leading to export restrictions on live animals from Northern Ireland.
(LC/SP)
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) issued the warning in response to the detection of the animal disease in one cow on Saturday, on a premises near Ipswich, Suffolk in England.
Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease, which affects cattle, goats, deer and sheep.
It does not pose any risk to human health and is spread only by infected biting midges.
However, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has said the confirmed case in the East of England is a worry for the local farming industry in Northern Ireland.
Kenneth Sharkey, President of the UFU, said: “This disease, which is carried by midges, has spread relentlessly across Northern Europe in the past few years. News that an incident has emerged in England will heighten concerns in the local industry that the disease may eventually appear on the island of Ireland.
“The disease has only been confirmed in a single animal and this will not be treated as a confirmed outbreak unless evidence emerges that the disease is circulating. We will be co-operating fully with DARD and DEFRA to do whatever is possible to minimise this threat.”
Mr Sharkey said the two major implications of the disease are that it causes mortality, particularly in infected sheep flocks, but also in cattle; and an outbreak locally would mean the introduction of control zones, potentially leading to export restrictions on live animals from Northern Ireland.
(LC/SP)
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26 September 2007
Fourth Case Of Bluetongue Confirmed
It has been reported that the Stormont Agriculture committee has called on the Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew, to appear before them to discuss the recent outbreak of Bluetongue disease. The fourth case of the animal disease was confirmed today by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Fourth Case Of Bluetongue Confirmed
It has been reported that the Stormont Agriculture committee has called on the Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew, to appear before them to discuss the recent outbreak of Bluetongue disease. The fourth case of the animal disease was confirmed today by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
27 September 2007
Agriculture Minister Urges Vigilance Over Bluetongue
Michelle Gildernew has expressed concern over the detection of Bluetongue in a fourth animal in Suffolk. The Agriculture Minister noted that this is not a confirmed outbreak unless the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) further investigates and demonstrates that the disease is indeed circulating.
Agriculture Minister Urges Vigilance Over Bluetongue
Michelle Gildernew has expressed concern over the detection of Bluetongue in a fourth animal in Suffolk. The Agriculture Minister noted that this is not a confirmed outbreak unless the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) further investigates and demonstrates that the disease is indeed circulating.
06 May 2021
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30 Times More People Waiting Over 6 Months For Heart Surgery
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25 February 2019
High Air Pollution Levels Forecast For NI- DAERA
The current weather conditions have prompted a warning for moderate levels of air pollution across Northern Ireland this week. Heightened levels, classed as when there is more sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and other substances in the air, are expected to persist until Wednesday 27 February, with the situation improving from Thursday onwards.
High Air Pollution Levels Forecast For NI- DAERA
The current weather conditions have prompted a warning for moderate levels of air pollution across Northern Ireland this week. Heightened levels, classed as when there is more sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and other substances in the air, are expected to persist until Wednesday 27 February, with the situation improving from Thursday onwards.
05 October 2004
MRSA superbug on the increase in the province
Incidents involving the MRSA superbug are on the increase in Northern Ireland, according to the findings of two reports published into the rates of infection in the province’s hospitals.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
