Kenny: Bluetongue testing should be 'expanded' nationwide
Testing for the bluetongue virus should be "expanded" across the country, according to the Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture.
Sligo-Leitrim TD, Martin Kenny, said it is important that Ireland gets "on top" of the virus risk before the weather starts to warmer.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, briefed members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food today (Thursday, January 29) on the latest bluetongue situation.
Deputy Kenny said: "We were informed that this outbreak of bluetongue was found following testing of an animal that was slaughtered, and that it was in fact anti-bodies of the virus that was found in the animals".
Bluetongue
It was confirmed yesterday that the bluetongue virus had been identified in three more herds in Co. Wexford.
They are located near to where the first herd in which the infection was detected.
In the first herd, where an outbreak was confirmed over the weekend a total of seven cattle were infected with the disease.
Deputy Kenny has urged farmers to "remain vigilant and increase bio-security measures on their farms".
"Any signs of animals being unwell or off their food should be taken seriously and the farm vet should be consulted immediately.
“The department is conducting random testing on farms in the Southeast of the country close to where the outbreak occurred. I am calling on the minister and the department to increase and expand this testing programme across the country," he added.
Minister Heydon
Meanwhile Minister Heydon also told the Dáil today that it was "not hugely surprising" that bluetongue had been identified in Ireland.
He added: "We were monitoring wind activity and the risk of this blowing over in warm weather.
"Midges are the vector for spreading this disease from animal to animal. They are likely to be blown over in the wind from Wales and France in the warm weather, and that is most likely where it came from.
"We have responded in real time. Our approach was always to identify this early, lock it down and try to eradicate it".
However Minister Heydon said because Ireland has lost its disease-free status this would have trade implications.
"It is important to reassure the public that there are no human health or food safety concerns with this disease.
"It is very much a production disease but it is a big cause of concern for farmers," the minister added.
According to Minister Heydon midge activity "can only spread disease when the temperature is over a constant 12°" which, he said, means the high-risk period for Ireland is from April or May until October.
