The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Bríd Rodgers MLA, has said that an emergency now exists on Foot and Mouth Disease and has called on the whole community for co-operation in containing its spread.
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Mrs Rodgers said:
“Unfortunately, I have now received laboratory confirmation that some at least of the sheep which my Department slaughtered in Meigh on Wednesday last were infected with Foot and Mouth Disease. Accordingly I now have to impose further restrictions on the area in question.
“3-kilometre and 10-kilometre zones are now in place around the affected farm in South Armagh. Within the 3-kilometre zone there is a virtual standstill on movement of animals except for emergency slaughter. Animals may move under authorisation within, but not outside, the 10-kilometre zone.
“We are clearly now in an emergency situation. It is one which I am determined to get to grips with, in order to eradicate and prevent the spread of this disease. However, I do need the full co-operation of the whole community. I would therefore ask members of the public to stay away from the control and surveillance areas. I want the public in general, and the farming community in particular, to act responsibly and to heed the advice I have earlier issued about movements on farms or on farm land.
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By GlobalData“On Friday I will be reporting to my executive colleagues on recent developments and enlisting their support in tackling this disease. I will also be updating the Assembly Agriculture Committee and industry representatives during the course of the day.
“There have been many enquiries about legal action against those responsible for the importation of sheep from GB which appear to have led to this infection. In that connection I can confirm that definite lines of enquiry are being pursued but clearly I can not comment any further on this. The due processes will be followed.
“Today I was in dialogue with the Secretary of State and he has pledged me his full support.
“My Department is in close dialogue with the RUC and, through them, the Army. A number of lines are being investigated both in relation to movements of animals and on disease controls.
“As far as other livestock movements are concerned, I also have reason to be worried about several other imports from Scotland to Northern Ireland of livestock which may have been in contact with infected animals. Information is as yet incomplete but there is evidence that some sheep from these consignments may have been sold in Swatragh market on 14 February. Veterinary staff will be following up and checking the farms concerned. I would appeal to any farmer who was at Swatragh market on that date to be especially vigilant in checking his animals and to report anything suspicious to the Veterinary Service.
“All of the animals which were properly certified into Northern Ireland and which arrived at the destination indicated on the certificate have now been traced and are being checked on a daily basis for clinical signs of disease.
“I am grateful for the continued co-operation of farmers and members of the public in our efforts to control this serious disease outbreak.”
NOTES FOR EDITORS
CONDITIONS THAT APPLY WITHIN ZONES AND OUTSIDE ZONES
1 PROTECTION ZONE (3 Km)
- A census of all holdings with susceptible animal species;
- Periodic veterinary inspections of such holdings;
- No movement of animals within the Zone for 15 days, except under official supervision – and only for emergency slaughter;
- Itinerant service for breeding is prohibited;
- Artificial insemination is only permitted under certain circumstances;
- Fairs, markets, shows & gatherings of susceptible animals is prohibited;
- Susceptible animals may be transported through the Protection Zone, but only by major highways or mainline railways;
- Zone will remain in force until at least 15 days after all susceptible animals have been destroyed and preliminary cleansing and disinfection has been completed.
- However, the Zone will then become part of the Surveillance Zone.
2 SURVEILLANCE ZONE (10 Km)
- A census of all holdings with susceptible animal species;
- No animal movement on roads except for the purpose of leading them to pasture;
- Transport of susceptible animals within the Zone is subject to authorisation by the competent authority;
- Itinerant service for breeding is prohibited;
- Fairs, markets, shows & gatherings of susceptible animals is prohibited;
- No animals shall be removed from the Zone for the 1st 15 days;
- Between 15th & 30th day animals can be transported from the Zone except under official supervision – and only for emergency slaughter;
- Zone will remain in force until at least 30 days after all susceptible animals have been destroyed and preliminary cleansing and disinfection has been completed.
3 ALL AREAS OUTSIDE 3 & 10 ZONES
- All animals that move must be identified so as to enable their holding of origin to be traced rapidly;
- A herd owner is required to supply the competent authority, on request, details of all animals that left or entered the premises;
- All involved in the transport or marketing of animals must be able to supply the competent authority with details concerning the movement of animals.
GENERAL
DARD Forest Service has closed all of its Forest Woodlands to the public until further notice.
just-food.com published a feature on foot and mouth. To read it, click here.
