By Violet Brown
BANGOR is at the centre of an Ireland-wide agricultural crisis after an outbreak of a deadly disease.
Forty six dairy cows have now been identified with bluetongue that was first detected in two animals which were part of the Clandeboye Estate herd on the outskirts of the city on Friday.
News that many more animals have been affected was revealed yesterday afternoon.
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said the results of preliminary testing is ‘undoubtedly a blow’ for the owners and staff on the farm, which he said operates to the highest biosecurity standards.
“It is also hugely disappointing for the agri-food sector which up until now has enjoyed bluetongue free status in Northern Ireland,” said Mr Muir.
Testing will now take place on other local farms in a bid to find out if it has spread outside the initial contact herd.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) acted rapidly to protect livestock and limit the spread of the disease by placing a 20 kilometre exclusion zone around the site, covering the entire North Down constituency and a large part of neighbouring Strangford.
It includes Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, Comber, Donaghadee, Dundonald, Carryduff and Ballygowan and surrounding areas, and the Ards peninsula to the area below Greyabbey and Ballywalter.
A prominent local farmer has said the biggest fear facing the agriculture sector if bluetongue takes hold is the potential loss of export markets.
With North Down at the centre of Ireland’s first bluetongue incident, Kircubbin farmer Sam Chesney said the discovery of two cows from a Bangor herd with the disease was ‘very worrying’ adding ‘it is imperative we get this under control’.
The movement of susceptible species – cattle, sheep, goats, deer and llamas/alpacas – on or off premises within the zone is prohibited whilst further investigations are carried out. Animals being moved directly to slaughter are permitted under a general licence available on the DAERA website.
The discovery of the antibodies and the possibility of the disease taking a hold in Northern Ireland has sparked real concerns about the devastating impact this could have on the local agri-food industry.
Bluetongue was first detected in the Netherlands in September 2023 and since then it has spread across Europe. The virus is transmitted by bites from infected midges – generally in warmer climates and during warmer weather. Animal to animal transmission has not been reported, except the offspring of an infected animal. DAERA has closed Saintfield Livestock Market and the markets scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday did not take place this week.
Yoghurt is produced on Clandeboye estate from the milk of their Holstein and Jersey herds. “Consistent with our continued commitment to the highest standards in terms of both food production and the welfare of our animals, we will be carrying out further testing over the next few days,” a spokesman for Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt stated.
“Until more is known we would encourage our fellow farming community members to review the guidance available on the DAERA website and remain vigilant.”
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said while the suspect cases were of great concern, it was essential all producers impacted by the control measures played their part in limiting the potential for further spread of the disease.
“While there was always a potential for bluetongue to arrive here, given its prevalence in Great Britain and the European Union, we must now do all we can to protect our livestock and limit the spread of the disease,” he said. “In the face of these suspected cases, my officials are taking all the necessary steps to protect the agri-food industry and I urge everyone in the industry to play their part as well, and especially appeal to those in the temporary control zone to follow the restrictions”.
Brian Dooher, the Chief Veterinary Officer explained the bluetongue virus was unpredictable and could spread rapidly through and between flocks and herds.
“Colleagues have been preparing for a possible incursion of this disease and have been working closely with our colleagues in the Republic of Ireland to ensure a co-ordinated response in tackling any incursion,” he said.
Urging farmers to ensure they sourced their animals responsibly, Mr Dooher warned the spread of bluetongue could have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy. “Furthermore, all livestock owners should remain vigilant for signs of the disease,” he said, adding: “It is imperative that keepers report any symptoms immediately to their vet, local divisional veterinary office or to the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840.”
