The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has ruled out paying compensation for any imported animals which test positive for bluetongue post-entry into Ireland.
This was confirmed in the latest bluetongue virus update published yesterday (Monday, September 30) by the DAFM’s National Disease Control Centre (NDCC).
The update stated: “The department will not pay compensation for animals infected by imported germinal products [semen, ova, embryos], nor for imported animals which subsequently test positive for bluetongue in the post-entry sampling.
Two blood samplings are performed on each animal arriving in Ireland, as part of post-entry testing requirements by the Regional Veterinary Office (RVO).
The first blood sample is taken within five days of arrival to Ireland, and the second sample is taken ten days after the first sample.
Any positive results will require immediate action to be taken with appropriate guidance provided by the NDCC.
While the import of live ruminants from Great Britain (GB) to Ireland remain suspended, germinal products may be imported from GB into Ireland once the relevant animal health requirements for bluetongue virus can be certified.
The DAFM clarified that the introduction of livestock from other European Union (EU) member states is permitted only where detailed certification requirements to safeguard against bluetongue can be satisfied.
“The bluetongue disease situation in Europe is dynamic and there is a real risk of bluetongue virus entry into Ireland,” it added.
There are different strains of bluetongue virus (BTV). BTV-3 is the strain currently of most concern, as it is spreading rapidly across north-western Europe.
Due to the ongoing dynamic situation with BTV-3 and the possibility of rapid disease spread, importers of livestock from mainland Europe must be aware of risks to their business.
If they purchase livestock in a European country, there is a real risk that by the time they attempt to ship the animals to Ireland, that area may be affected by bluetongue and the animals may not then meet the certification requirements for entry to Ireland.
BTV is spread by infected biting midges (Culicoides species) which are present in Ireland and are generally most active between April and November.
Although Ireland is currently BTV free, the virus could spread to Ireland through import of
infected animals, infected foetuses, germinal products or wind dispersal of infected midges from infected areas.