The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has reiterated its call for livestock owners in Northern Ireland to be vigilant following a second case of food-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Europe.
The outbreak occurred in a cattle herd in Hungary on the border with Slovakia. This is the second confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in the EU this year, after an outbreak was confirmed in Germany in January.
The department said strict controls are in place limiting the importation of animals and animal products from countries with a FMD outbreak
DAERA said it is closely monitoring the situation and confirmed that there has been no movement of susceptible species into Northern Ireland from Hungary or Slovakia during the established risk window.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting certain livestock and wildlife. It spreads rapidly through direct and indirect transmission, including airborne spread under favourable climatic conditions.
The virus can also be transported physically via contaminated animals, people, vehicles and equipment.
Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, stated: “Having a second case on the continent in Hungary should give us all a cause for concern.
“Foot and Mouth outbreak in Hungary is a clear reminder that we must continue to adhere to excellent biosecurity and responsible sourcing.
“We all have to play our part to keep this devastating disease out of our livestock and wildlife,” he added.
Chief veterinary officer for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher, said: “DAERA requests the support of all stakeholders in staying vigilant and promptly reporting any unusual symptoms in livestock.
“These measures are essential to safeguarding our livestock and protecting the vital agricultural sector across Northern Ireland.”
DAERA said Hungarian authorities have implemented all necessary control measures, including disease control zones, and are undertaking depopulation of the affected premises.
In January, Germany reported FMD in a small herd of water buffalo in Brandenburg, north of Berlin. That outbreak was successfully contained, with no further cases
FMD has serious consequences for animal health, trade and industry. The 2001 FMD outbreak across the UK resulted in the culling of approximately 6.5 million animals and had an estimated economic impact of £8 billion. This outbreak was the last time the disease was detected in Northern Ireland.
FMD is not a threat to humans but is highly contiguous in animals. It is not treatable and all animals in the herd have to be culled.
