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Bluetongue: Disease Has Serious Consequences for Farmers - Andrew Muir
A 20km control zone near Bangor includes culling and movement restrictions to contain bluetongue, a midge-transmitted livestock disease affecting the agrifood sector, officials said.
- On Saturday, DAERA said surveillance indicated bluetongue at a holding near Bangor, County Down, and Stormont Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said his department had responded swiftly.
- Bluetongue is spread by biting midges and affects cloven-hoofed animals; since 2023, BTV-3 has advanced rapidly across mainland Europe, prompting Northern Ireland to authorise pre-emptive vaccination earlier this year with some vaccine available.
- DAERA introduced a 20km Temporary Control Zone at 21:00 BST on Saturday, and moves of susceptible animals are prohibited except for licensed direct-to-slaughter transfers; two cows have been culled, and Saintfield Mart is canceled this week.
- DAERA has notified UK Government and Republic officials and Stormont Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir briefed Republic of Ireland agriculture minister Martin Heydon on potential serious agrifood consequences.
- Conor Geraghty warned `The theory is that if it's not contained in Northern Ireland, it would spread during the fly season late next spring and early summer`, while authorities urged containment and vigilance in the coming weeks.
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Sharp rise in suspected Bluetongue cases as DAERA identifies 44 more cattle in Co Down herd
Preliminary test results released by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) have revealed the suspected presence of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) in a further 44 cattle within a Co Down herd, following the confirmation of two initial cases last week. The findings relate to a holding near Bangor, situated within the 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) introduced on Saturday 29 November. DAERA has stressed that while Blueton…
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Total News Sources10
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 20%
C 60%
R 20%
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