The first case of the bluetongue virus BTV3 of the 2024/25 vector season was detected early last week. This is the first case since March.
The total number of BTV-3 bluetongue cases in the UK now stands at five infected premises.
IBLA said that in light of the latest outbreak, it has serious concerns that the import of live animals at this time has the potential to seriously compromise the health of local cattle, sheep and pig herds.
The Association has written to the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Assembly asking them to take this matter very seriously and ensure that all precautions are taken to ensure the safety of cattle herds.
“IBLA is calling on the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Assembly to introduce a temporary ban on the import of all cattle to the island of Ireland until the risk of bluetongue virus has been eliminated,” the association said in a statement.
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Ireland relies on animal imports
The Irish livestock industry relies heavily on live animal exports. Live ruminant imports from the UK to Ireland have remained suspended since the disease was first detected in England in November 2023.
Biological materials (semen, embryos) may be imported from the UK to Ireland and other EU countries after meeting the relevant animal health requirements for BTV.
The National Disease Control Centre (NDCC) has advised that farmers considering purchasing or importing livestock should check whether the animals qualify for an animal health certificate required for entry into Ireland.
“Given the dynamic nature of the bluetongue situation in Europe, there is a real risk that when you attempt to send your purchased animals to Ireland, that area may be affected by a bluetongue outbreak and the animals may not meet the certification requirements for entry into Ireland,” the document states.
Furthermore, although animals imported into Ireland must meet legal testing and animal health requirements, the disease could spread to Ireland through the introduction of infected but as yet undetected ruminant animals.
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