The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has updated his Executive colleagues about the ongoing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in a herd of water buffalo in Germany.

FMD is a severe and highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.

FMD is not considered a public health threat and the advice of the Food Standards Agency is that products of animal origin are safe to consume.

Minister Muir said: “The emergence of FMD in Germany is a significant concern, not only for our livestock owners but also for the entire agricultural sector across the UK, Ireland and the EU.

“My department has robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and our food security and I want to set out what is happening to mitigate any risk.

“I understand that German officials have taken, and are continuing to take, steps to mitigate against onward spread of the disease, including the culling and safe disposal of all animals of susceptible species and the establishment of disease control zones.

“These steps are designed to ensure that the disease does not leave the area currently affected,” he added.

Cooperation on foot-and-mouth disease

The DAERA minister said that surveillance is ongoing and, to date, the German authorities have not detected any further cases, although test results are awaited today (Friday, January 17) in a suspected second case.

The minister continued: “To protect Northern Ireland, we have strict import controls in place prohibiting the movement of animals and animal products from FMD-affected areas.

“That means that all susceptible species and their products from disease control zones in Germany are restricted from moving to Northern Ireland. 

“I am in regular contact with my DAFM [Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine] counterpart, Charlie McConalogue, to discuss the approach across the island of Ireland and, recognising the importance of a coordinated approach, will be seeking a meeting with the incoming agriculture minister in the days ahead.”

Muir also stated that he will meet next week with the secretary of state for NI and the relevant UK minister, Baroness Hayman to ensure a collaborative response to the issue across the UK.

Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer, Brian Dooher, is also maintaining close contact with his counterparts across the islands of Ireland Great Britain.

Dooher, had a stark warning for the farming sector: “FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that has devastating consequences for our farming community and indeed for our wider economy.

“It is only through responsible sourcing and excellent biosecurity that we will keep foot-and-mouth disease out of Northern Ireland.

“Continued vigilance is vital – livestock keepers are reminded to adhere to high levels of biosecurity and to remain alert and report any unusual symptoms promptly to a veterinarian or directly to DAERA.

“The DAERA website contains important information on clinical signs and the steps livestock keepers should take to protect their animals.”