This article is from page 79 of the 2008-09-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 79 JPG
THE recent re-emergence of blue- tongue in the UK poses a serious threat to the livestock and sheep in- dustry in this country according to Macra na Feirme.
Chairman of Macra’s Agricultural Affairs committee, Eddie O’ Donnell, also last week called on all imports of animals for breeding or slaughter from the UK to be suspended on a voluntary basis.
“The Department of Agriculture must also be particular vigilant in terms of implementing the necessary
bio security measures to preserve our Bluetongue free status including extra bio security measures for cargo at ports,” he said.
“Protecting our all-Ireland blue- tongue free status is critical, we must take a very stringent approach when it comes to implementing control measures in relation to Bluetongue, otherwise Irish herds would be prone to sickness, infertility, distress and even animal deaths in some cases from the Bluetongue disease as well as the massive economic loss and implications for Irelands export sta- nthe
O’Donnell said results of a recent survey carried out by Macra indi- cated that young farmers believe there’s a lot to be done in reassuring the Agri sector that the government is doing enough to keep Bluetongue out of Ireland.
“In the unfortunate event of an outbreak, vaccination would be re- quired,” continued O’Donnell. “A farmer administered vaccination scheme would be the most effective means of quickly and effectively protecting Ireland’s sheep and live- stock from the disease.
‘“Farmer’s professionally adminis-
ter vaccines to their animals routinely to prevent illness and Mr. O’ Donnell believes that farmers must be given the choice to administer the vaccine themselves or through their veteri- nary surgeon.
“Many EU countries have a vet- erinary administered vaccination scheme; however, their Governments are co-funding the administration of the vaccine.
“In the absence of Irish Govern- ment funding, farmers who are the professionals in animal husbandry must be in a position to administer the vaccine.”