Important to Address Market Access Issues Following Bluetongue Case

IFA Animal Health Chair David Hall said it is important to resolve all outstanding market access issues following the confirmation of BTV 3 (Bluetongue) on a farm in Wexford.

He said the Department of Agriculture has resolved trade certificates for beef and dairy produce to most of our key outlets. 

Live exports will also continue unhindered to most EU destinations, but some do have to meet criteria.

Exports to NI are only permitted if direct for slaughter, an issue which must be resolved urgently to restore the important trade for feeding and breeding animals. IFA has met with the UFU to advance this issue.  

Following discussions with the Department of Agriculture, David Hall said work has already commenced on this and access issues to other international live export destinations.  

“A small number of animals have moved from the affected farm and forward tracing is ongoing. It’s important that farmers are aware there is very limited risk of onward spread at the moment due to the absence of vector activity and the prevailing low temperatures,” he said.

Testing has commenced on farms in the surrounding area. “It is reasonable to expect further disclosures of BTV-3 positive animals close to this holding, as the most likely source of infection is midges blown across the Irish Sea.”

The affected holding and a small number of neighbouring farms are subject to movement restrictions.

However, the Animal Health Chair said all other farmers can continue to move and market livestock in the normal way, but must remain vigilant and report any concerns immediately to their PVP or local DAFM office. Animals should not be moved where there is any suspicion of the disease. 

Vaccines for BTV-3 are approved for use in Ireland. Farmers considering vaccination should discuss their individual circumstances with their PVP and apply for the necessary licence where appropriate.

David Hall said, “If a farmer and his PVP decide on vaccination it is important the PVP applies for a licence from the Department to guarantee supplies to have the programme completed in advance of the high vector season, which is from May to October and have immunity developed prior to this period”.

“IFA will continue to work closely with DAFM to ensure farmers receive clear, timely information and that disruption to trade is kept to an absolute minimum,” he concluded.