June 9th, 2010

ICMSA issue Bluetongue warning

“It is absolutely essential that all farmers heed the advice of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regarding the importation of animals and the possible dangers of bluetongue according to Mr. Kevin Connolly, Chairperson of ICMSA’s Beef and Cattle Committee.

“As we enter the high risk period for bluetongue there is a responsibility on all farmers not to put their herds, or the herds of other farmers and neighbours, in danger by importing animals which have been exposed to the bluetongue virus. Ireland is free of bluetongue and we must all do everything in our power to maintain that status. The implications for farmers and for the country of an outbreak would be very serious leading to herd and flock health problems, herd and flock restrictions and the curtailment of live exports. That would a disastrous situation for the sector and must be avoided at all costs”, stated Mr Connolly.

Mr. Connolly said that imported animals will be slaughtered without compensation if bluetongue is detected in post-import testing and that, while there was no legal impediment to such importations, ICMSA felt that the risks greatly outweighed any benefits. Accordingly, the organisation was requesting farmers to desist completely from importing animals from areas that have had exposure to the Bluetongue virus.

Ends. 25 May 2010.

Kevin Connolly, 087-9381173
Chairman, ICMSA Beef & Cattle Committee

Or

Cathal MacCarthy, 087-6168758
ICMSA Press Office

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