The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
(DAERA) Minister has updated his Executive
colleagues about the ongoing outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease
(FMD) in a herd of water buffalo in Germany, Brandenburg, north
of Berlin.
FMD is a severe and highly contagious viral disease of cattle,
sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. It is important to
be clear that FMD is not considered a public health threat and
the advice of the Food Standards Agency is that products of
animal origin are safe to consume.
Speaking after today's Executive meeting, Minister Muir said:
“The emergence of FMD in Germany is a significant
concern, not only for our livestock owners but also for the
entire agricultural sector across the UK, Ireland and the
EU. My Department has robust contingency plans
in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers
and our food security and I want to set out what is happening to
mitigate any risk.
“I understand that German officials have taken, and are
continuing to take, steps to mitigate against onward spread of
the disease, including the culling and safe disposal of all
animals of susceptible species and the establishment of disease
control zones. These steps are designed to ensure that the
disease does not leave the area currently affected.
“Surveillance is ongoing and, to date, the German
authorities have not detected any further cases.”
The Minister continued: “To protect Northern
Ireland, we have strict import controls in
place prohibiting the movement of animals and animal
products from FMD affected areas. That means that
all susceptible species and their products from disease
control zones in Germany are restricted from moving to
Northern Ireland.
“I am in regular contact with my DAFM counterpart,
Charlie McConalogue, to discuss the approach across the island of
Ireland and, recognising the importance of a co-ordinated
approach, will be seeking a meeting with the incoming agriculture
minister in the days ahead.
“I am also meeting next week with the Secretary of State
for NI and the relevant UKG Minister, , and will be working
closely with my ministerial counterparts to ensure a
collaborative response to this issue across the UK. Our Chief
Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, is also maintaining close
contact with his counterparts across these islands.”
Northern Ireland's Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, had a
stark warning for the farming sector: “FMD is a highly contagious
viral disease that has devastating consequences for our farming
community and indeed for our wider economy. It is only through
responsible sourcing and excellent biosecurity that we will keep
Foot and Mouth Disease out of Northern Ireland. Continued
vigilance is vital - livestock keepers are reminded to
adhere to high levels of biosecurity and to remain alert and
report any unusual symptoms promptly to a veterinarian or
directly to DAERA. The DAERA website contains important
information on clinical signs and the steps livestock keepers
should take to protect their animals.”
Notes to editors:
- For further information on FMD and clinical signs, please
visit: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/foot-and-mouth-disease
