Outbreak of bluetongue in Wexford 'hugely worrying'
The confirmation of an outbreak of bluetongue in Co. Wexford is "hugely worrying" news, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) has said.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has today (Saturday, January 24) confirmed the outbreak.
This finding arose from the routine ongoing surveillance his department has been carrying out, according to the minister.
Immediate measures
ICMSA president Denis Drennan said it is "hugely important" that everyone works together to contain the outbreak "as much as possible and that every support is given to farmers impacted by bluetongue".
"At this stage farmers should take the advice of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine in relation to best practice on biosecurity," Drennan said.
"Immediate measures are required to ensure that our live trade and live exports continue as normal.
"ICMSA is meeting with the department on Monday and it is important that a whole-sector strategy is put in place on these matters and supported by all."
Spread of bluetongue virus
The minister said this virus predominantly is spread by midges.
"The replication of the virus in infected midges cannot happen when the daily temperatures are lower than 12°C," he continued.
"The recent seasonal drop in temperatures means that infection is unlikely to spread widely at the current time.
"Investigations are ongoing with additional sampling taking place so that we can understand the epidemiological situation."
