Northern Ireland agriculture faces ‘triple threat’ of animal diseases

Agriculture and the agri-food industry in Northern Ireland face “a triple threat” from bird flu, bluetongue virus and foot and mouth disease.

The minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs told the Northern Ireland Assembly he was “conscious of resource limitations should more than one of these animal disease threats impact Northern Ireland concurrently”.

Andrew Muir was speaking after the detection of foot and mouth disease in Hungary earlier this month.

The disease caused millions of animals to be culled across the UK in 2001, including in Northern Ireland.

Muir said strict disease controls were in place after the detection in Hungary and before that in Germany, and that there had been no movements of susceptible live animals from the affected areas since the start of the year.

He added that there was “no room” for complacency.

“We must continue to convey clear messages about the importance of responsible sourcing, of maintaining high biosecurity standards and promptly reporting any unusual symptoms to help protect Northern Ireland’s farms and wider industry,” he said.

There has never been an outbreak of bluetongue virus in Northern Ireland, although the insect that carries it is found here.

It poses a “medium” risk to Northern Ireland.

But it has been confirmed in Great Britain at a number of locations since November 2023.

The movement of live animals from GB to Northern Ireland is currently suspended as a result.

As the weather warms up, bringing a heightened risk, the minister said his department was planning increased communication with farmers on remaining vigilant for bluetongue virus.

Muir said the strict biosecurity protocols in place for bird flu would help protect farmers against all diseases.

Bird flu has been confirmed at three commercial poultry premises and a captive bird collection in the Mid Ulster area.

Culling of birds at all the affected sites has now been completed.

The minister appealed to farmers and flock owners to adhere to strict biosecurity protocols.

“Comprehensive biosecurity guidance is available on the Daera website,” he said.

“Adhering to this protects against disease spread in general and with regards to the triple threat animal disease threat facing our wider agri-food industry.

“This guidance emphasises the importance of maintaining high biosecurity standards to help reduce the risk of transmission of these three diseases.”