The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is condemning the illegal importation of livestock into Northern Ireland from Britain due to the current risk posed by bluetongue virus.
The farm organisation is urging farmers “to realise the impact of their actions on Northern Ireland’s livestock sector”.
Imports have been suspended since November 2023 following the first outbreak of bluetongue in Britain.
However, the UFU said that the smuggling of animals has become a serious threat putting the region at risk of infection.
Bluetongue
Bluetongue virus is spread by infected biting midges and affects all ruminants, such as cattle, goats, deer, lamas, alpacas and sheep.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), has detailed that clinical signs can vary by species – although symptoms are generally more severe in sheep.
The symptoms include fever, swelling of the head and neck, lameness, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes, drooling and there is often a high mortality rate.
In late November, the UFU said that 65 sheep had been destroyed by DAERA officials at a local port as the animals were illegally imported into NI from Britain.
UFU president William Irvine said that the association is “appalled by the actions of some within the farming community”.
“Despite numerous warnings about the threat bluetongue poses and with imports still suspended from Britain to NI to protect our industry, some have acted illegally and immorally by attempting to smuggle animals into the region.
“I cannot stress enough how dangerous this is for our livestock sector.
“To date, we have managed to avoid the transmission of bluetongue by intensifying our biosecurity, but this type of behaviour has the potential to undo all our good work and makes us extremely vulnerable,” he said.
“Not only does illegally importing animals increase the risk of bluetongue and it’s spread, but it also opens up an avenue for the transmission of Maedi Visna (MV) which is ultimately fatal for sheep.
“If bluetongue or MV enters a herd, it compromises our health status and animal welfare, and the financial implications for a farm family are devastating, especially at this time of year,” Irvine said.
The UFU president praised the work of inspectors at the ports, however he said that the outcome for the animals involved “is upsetting and it could have been prevented”.
“It’s critical that checks at all ports in NI and Britain are thorough so that the transport of animals is stopped before crossing the water.
“This is the only way we can take control of the situation and stop the illegal importation of livestock.
“If an incursion of bluetongue is confirmed within NI, trade will be halted from NI to Britain and Europe for at least two years, causing severe financial and genetic problems within flocks and herds,” Irvine said.
