IFA Animal Health Project Team Chairman John Waters has stated that while vaccination appears to be working in Bluetongue affected areas, until the virus has been eradicated there continues to be “a very real threat” of virus introduction to Ireland.

According to Mr Waters virtually all of Europe remains a Bluetongue restricted zone. He has called on the Minister for Agriculture to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken with imports of non-susceptible cargo, in order to reduce the risk of introducing midges infected with Bluetongue virus into this country.

In relation to the movements of cattle and sheep, Mr. Waters said while there are strict controls in place, he strongly advised farmers to resist the temptation to import animals from restricted areas. The IFA Chairman added that not only are importers taking serious financial risks for themselves as no compensation is payable on imported animals found with Bluetongue, they are jeopardising the health status of the national herd and the livelihoods of all farmers.