Date issued:
The Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Andrew Muir, has provided updates to his Executive associates concerning the current outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) within a water buffalo herd located in Brandenburg, Germany, just north of Berlin.
FMD is a serious and extremely infectious viral illness that affects cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed creatures. It must be emphasized that FMD is not seen as a public health danger, and the Food Standards Agency advises that animal-derived products remain safe for consumption.
After today’s Executive gathering, Minister Muir stated: “The appearance of FMD in Germany is a considerable concern, not only for our livestock proprietors but also for the whole agricultural industry throughout the UK, Ireland, and the EU. My Department has strong contingency strategies in place to address the risk posed by this disease to safeguard farmers and our food stability. I aim to clarify what measures are being taken to alleviate any potential risk.
“I am aware that German officials have implemented, and will continue to implement, measures to prevent further spread of the disease, including the culling and safe disposal of all animals belonging to susceptible species and the establishment of disease control zones. These actions are aimed at ensuring that the disease does not escape the presently affected area.
“Monitoring is ongoing, and so far, the German authorities have not identified any additional occurrences.”
The Minister added: “To safeguard Northern Ireland, we have stringent import regulations in effect that prohibit the transfer of animals and animal products from regions impacted by FMD. This means that all susceptible species and their products from disease control zones in Germany are barred from entering Northern Ireland.
“I maintain regular communication with my DAFM counterpart, Charlie McConalogue, to coordinate our strategy across the island of Ireland. Recognizing the necessity of a unified approach, I will soon arrange a meeting with the incoming agriculture minister.
“Next week, I will also convene with the Secretary of State for NI and the pertinent UKG Minister, Baroness Hayman, and will collaborate closely with my ministerial colleagues to ensure a cooperative response to this situation across the UK. Our Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, is also in close contact with his peers across these islands.”
Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, issued a serious warning to the agricultural sector: “FMD is a highly infectious viral illness that poses severe consequences for our farming community and, indeed, for our broader economy. It is only through responsible sourcing and exemplary biosecurity practices that we will keep Foot and Mouth Disease out of Northern Ireland. Ongoing vigilance is crucial – livestock owners are urged to maintain high levels of biosecurity and to stay alert, reporting any unusual symptoms immediately to a veterinarian or directly to DAERA. The DAERA website provides essential information on clinical indications and the actions livestock owners should undertake to protect their animals.”
Notes for editors:
- For more details on FMD and its clinical indications, please visit: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/foot-and-mouth-disease
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