15/02/2008
UFU Calls For Import Ban Over Bluetongue Alert
The Ulster Farmers' Union has called for an immediate voluntary end to livestock imports following a case of Bluetongue disease - Northern Ireland's first - being confirmed in Country Antrim on Thursday.
The disease was found in a Co Antrim dairy herd cow that was imported from the Netherlands.
It sparked calls for a re-doubling of efforts on the already stringent controls in place to ensure that Northern Ireland can remain free of the disease in the future.
The disease is widespread in Europe, but has now 'crossed the Channel' and been found in parts of England and Wales.
NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said: "The department will also now be tracing and testing associated herds. Meanwhile, an epidemiological investigation has begun to assess the situation.
"This investigation will help determine if disease is circulating but at this time there is no evidence to suggest that it is. Therefore at this time the north's bluetongue free status remains.
"I cannot stress enough the importance of farmers remaining vigilant for signs of the disease.
"I would continue to urge all farmers to think very carefully before importing susceptible animals from bluetongue infected countries," she said.
(BMcC)
The disease was found in a Co Antrim dairy herd cow that was imported from the Netherlands.
It sparked calls for a re-doubling of efforts on the already stringent controls in place to ensure that Northern Ireland can remain free of the disease in the future.
The disease is widespread in Europe, but has now 'crossed the Channel' and been found in parts of England and Wales.
NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said: "The department will also now be tracing and testing associated herds. Meanwhile, an epidemiological investigation has begun to assess the situation.
"This investigation will help determine if disease is circulating but at this time there is no evidence to suggest that it is. Therefore at this time the north's bluetongue free status remains.
"I cannot stress enough the importance of farmers remaining vigilant for signs of the disease.
"I would continue to urge all farmers to think very carefully before importing susceptible animals from bluetongue infected countries," she said.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 March 2008
Alert Issued On Bluetongue Vaccine
While insisting that it was not a case of trying to drum up sales, a leading vaccine manufacturer has warned that a serious animal disease outbreak could have a disastrous impact on the NI agricultural industry.
Alert Issued On Bluetongue Vaccine
While insisting that it was not a case of trying to drum up sales, a leading vaccine manufacturer has warned that a serious animal disease outbreak could have a disastrous impact on the NI agricultural industry.
29 February 2008
'Steaks' High As Minister Bans Cattle Imports
Although technically in breach of European Union regulations, the Stormont Executive yesterday approved a week-long suspension of the import of breeding animals into Northern Ireland from bluetongue affected areas. The Republic's Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan announced a similar move last Friday - similarly breaking EU rules.
'Steaks' High As Minister Bans Cattle Imports
Although technically in breach of European Union regulations, the Stormont Executive yesterday approved a week-long suspension of the import of breeding animals into Northern Ireland from bluetongue affected areas. The Republic's Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan announced a similar move last Friday - similarly breaking EU rules.
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).
24 September 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.
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.
15 October 2012
'Fortress Ireland' Call To Prevent Tree Disease
Calls to prevent a deadly tree disease spreading to Ireland have been made by the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neil. The devastating Ash Dieback (Chlara fraxinea) has been discovered in County Leitrim and has already been responsible for killing trees in England, Scotland and mainland Europe.
'Fortress Ireland' Call To Prevent Tree Disease
Calls to prevent a deadly tree disease spreading to Ireland have been made by the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neil. The devastating Ash Dieback (Chlara fraxinea) has been discovered in County Leitrim and has already been responsible for killing trees in England, Scotland and mainland Europe.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
