Limerick farmers urged to be vigilant after bluetongue detection

THE CHAIR of the ICMSA Livestock committee, Michael O’Connell, said farmers will be reassured following on from Monday’s bluetongue stakeholders meeting.

It was confirmed on Saturday, January 24, an outbreak of bluetongue was detected in County Wexford.

“We are happy with the assurances given to Irish farmers that all efforts are being made to maintain live trade into Europe and that all parties involved are working together to prioritise the needs of Irish farmers. 

“It is particularly encouraging that our main markets for the coming months all remain open. I would just say that farmers need a simple guide to the potential symptoms of Bluetongue and the sooner that’s circulated the better it will be,” said Mr O’Connell.

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He continued: “The department assured us that there is a minimal possibility of the virus spreading as we are completely outside the vector period for midge activity due to the average temperatures remaining well below ambient temperature.

“On the basis of that, the department has decided that there is no necessity for restriction zones in the area, and we must hope that this is an isolated case and trade within marts, slaughter and live exports into Europe are not affected.”

Empathising with the farm family affected, Mr O’Connell stated that each and every farmer must be vigilant and notify the relevant authorities if they have any suspicions about animals on their farm.