Spread of bluetongue may prove unstoppable

Bluetongue may prove unstoppable, despite the measures which have been put in place to curb the spread of the midge-borne livestock disease, it was claimed today.

That was the message from the chairman and vice chairman of the agriculture committee after they were updated by Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew on the latest bluetongue measures.

All livestock imported from continental Europe is now tested for bluetongue on its arrival, she revealed, appealing to farmers and importers to think carefully before bringing in animals.

"Bluetongue does not have human health implications but it does have economic repercussions for farmers and the industry if it becomes established in a country," she told the committee. "I hope industry will play their part in keeping this disease out of the north. Advice has already been issued to importers as well as herd and flock owners. "