Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is warning farmers to stay vigilant for the bluetongue virus (BTV) and to source animals responsibly.
DAERA said farmers must be aware of the devastating impact BTV can have on the local agri-food sector.
The warning follows recent outbreaks of BTV serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and now Luxembourg and France.
A DAERA spokesperson said one of the main risks of BTV entering Northern Ireland is from importing infected animals.
“There are stringent criteria to be met to import animals from a bluetongue infected area. These conditions must be attested to by the certifying veterinarian on the health certificate.
“Requirements include being vaccinated against any relevant bluetongue strain prior to import to Northern Ireland.
“If the animals are pregnant then the vaccination must have been carried out before conception. It should be noted there is no authorised vaccine at present for the BTV-3 strain causing many of the recent outbreaks across Europe.”
Bluetongue
The DAERA spokesperon said farmers are reminded that if they choose to bring animals into Northern Ireland from a disease-free zone via a bluetongue infected zone, they must ensure they comply with all the conditions on the health certificate.
“This should include the treatment of animals and vehicles with an approved insecticide and ensuring all the movement requirements have been met.
“Any imported animal found to be infected with BTV will be culled without compensation.”
The department said it carries out “rigorous” post-import checks on all livestock entering Northern Ireland from mainland Europe in order to protect the livestock industry.
This includes restrictions, isolation, treatment with an approved insecticide and testing, at the farm of destination.
Farmers are advised to familiarise themselves with the signs of BTV and to report any suspected cases immediately to DAERA whilst also isolating suspect animals indoors.
