Sheep sales to resume, announces North Minister Rodgers
Commercial sheep sales will resume in theNorth under moves announced by Stormont Agriculture Minister Brid Rodgers today.
Mrs Rodgers announced from next Monday sheep sales would resume under strict veterinary supervision for the first time since March in a relaxation of the ban introduced at the height of the foot-and-mouth crisis.
Justifying the decision, the SDLP minister said extensive blood testing of the Ulster’s 430,000 sheep showed there were ‘‘no signs of the virus’’ among the existing flock.
‘‘I am, therefore, prepared to allow commercial sheep sales to resume under strict conditions,’’ she announced.
‘‘First of all, all sales will have to be held on approved premises and under the supervision of DARD (The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) officials.
‘‘Second, all sheep travelling to or from the sales will have to be correctly identified and accompanied by a specific movement licence.
‘‘Third, premises used for sheep sales will not be able to be used again the same day for sales of cattle, pigs etc. and will have to be cleansed and disinfected thoroughly before being used again for any purpose.’’
Farm to farm collections of livestock would also be permitted, the minister said.
However she said hauliers would be specifically licensed and would have to meet the highest levels of biosecurity.
DARD will amend the conditions of hauliers’ licences requiring them to apply foot-and-mouth control measures when arriving on and before leaving a farm.
A ‘‘Fortress Farming’’ code of practice would also be developed by DARD in conjunction with relevant sectors of the industry.
Amid concern about the latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Northumberland, Mrs Rodgers said while some controls had been eased in the province, it was essential farmers observed the three ‘‘very important ones’’ that remained.
‘‘It is important that cattle and sheep should not be allowed to mix in order to prevent a flare up of the disease should it be present or should it be reintroduced in some way,’’ she said.
‘‘I am also maintaining a licence requirement for the movement of sheep to allow the necessary tracing should there be another outbreak.
‘‘Finally, I am keeping the 20-day movement standstill on all species in place in order to limit the spread of any disease which might occur.
‘‘I know that responsible farmers will appreciate the need for these controls and will continue to observe them.’’
