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PR074/08 Update on Bluetongue Import Controls 13/03/08

The Executive has agreed that the suspension of imports of breeding cattle and sheep from Bluetongue restricted zones will continue until the amendment to the European Bluetongue Regulation comes into effect.  
An amendment to the European Bluetongue Regulation (1266/2007) has been made, to strengthen movement controls on pregnant animals from Bluetongue restricted zones. When this change comes into effect the existing import suspensions will be withdrawn.  .
In addition, the lower risk vector-free period ends in England on 15 March. Midge activity will increase as the weather grows warmer and the risk of transmission of bluetongue virus around Britain will increase.
In response to this the Department is tightening the import conditions applying to those breeding and production animals which can still be imported.  If susceptible animals are imported from anywhere in Britain or from other Member States (with the exception of the South of Ireland), the following additional conditions will apply:-
The animals must be held in isolation after importation until post-import testing is completed and restrictions are lifted. Animals must be kept in housing that has a separate air space and that is not shared with any other susceptible livestock; and
The isolation facility must be cleansed and disinfected prior to the arrival of the imported animals, and must also be pre-sprayed with a recommended insecticide.
In addition, farmers importing animals are advised to reduce the risk to their own livestock by taking the following actions:-
Treat imported animals with an approved insecticide when they arrive. This treatment should be repeated as required by the manufacturer’s recommendations, until restrictions are lifted.   
Consider getting isolation facility checked by a veterinarian prior to importing animals to ensure it can meet the conditions.
Treat the inside of livestock vehicles that have transported the imported animals with insecticide.
It is also advised that vehicles transporting horses should be treated with insecticide to reduce the risk of importing midges.
NOTES TO EDITORS
  1. On Thursday, 28 February, the Executive decided, following representations from Michelle Gildernew, MP, MLA, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, to impose emergency controls on imports of female cattle over 12 months and female sheep over 6 months from Bluetongue restricted zones as a temporary and precautionary measure.   The import controls, which came into effect on Saturday 1 March, were subsequently extended until 13 March.   
  2. The Department emphasised that this is a temporary and precautionary suspension, prompted by emerging science following the case of Bluetongue in animals imported to a North Antrim farm that indicates that Bluetongue Disease can be transmitted from cows to calves.
  3. Any outstanding specific import licences for Breeding and Production animals from Britain have been revoked with effect from 1800 hours on Saturday 1 March 2008. Any importers wishing to import Breeding and Production animals from Britain should contact DARD Trade Section on 028 9052 4664 to obtain a revised licence.
  4. The import controls from 1800 hours on Saturday 1 March, are to protect animal health and welfare until the amended European Regulation comes into effect.   
  5. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office. Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.