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.

There's of course, a lot at stake as it is thought an outbreak of bluetongue disease would cost the Northern Ireland agriculture industry millions of pounds in lost revenue.

Explaining the measure at Stormont yesterday, NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said the move was designed to keep "our bluetongue disease free status intact".

"These controls bring us into line with the south and are in response to emerging science around how the bluetongue virus might be transmitted and additional risks that might be posed by pregnant animals," said Ms Gildernew.

"The import controls are a proportionate response and we will continue to maintain our rigorous testing system on those animals already imported.

"In terms of the industry, I will leave it to them to consider carefully whether they should adopt a complete voluntary ban in order to protect farming here. I would strongly advise and welcome that action," she explained, noting that the disease has already been detected in imported cattle on a County Antrim farm.

But it is yet to be detected elsewhere, so Northern Ireland remains officially bluetongue free.

(BMcC)