Hughes Calls for All-Island Strategy to Tackle Bluetongue Disease

Farmers across Newry and Armagh have been urged to urgently vaccinate their cattle against Bluetongue disease following its detection in several cows on a farm in Bangor, County Down.

MP Dáire Hughes has called for immediate vaccination to protect livestock and prevent further economic losses, warning that the issue is particularly pressing for rural constituencies like Newry and Armagh which is home to almost 3,000 farms. Many of these farms are in close proximity to the border, with livestock easily able to come into contact with animals on farms in County Monaghan and County Louth.

Mr Hughes said: "We need to know what investigations are underway to determine how this herd contracted Bluetongue and how the disease first entered the island. Vaccination is our best line of defence against Bluetongue. I urge all farmers to act now and ensure their cattle are vaccinated to safeguard their herds. We cannot afford to delay. Our farmers' livelihoods depend on it, as do rural communities."

The Newry and Armagh MP called for the vaccine to be immediately approved and licensed by the relevant authorities in the south so that farmers across the entire island can access vital protection without delay. Vaccination is not currently approved or licensed in the south.

Mr Hughes said: "Disease does not recognise arbitrary borders. This is especially pertinent for Newry and Armagh, with almost 3,000 farms and many in close proximity to the border. Livestock can easily come into contact with animals on farms in Co. Monaghan and Co. Louth. The repercussions of a lack of vaccination could be devastating for any farming family, the wider agri-food sector and connected rural economy."

The MP also called for farmers whose cattle have been culled due to Bluetongue to receive full and timely compensation, saying it is crucial that farming communities are supported during this challenging time.

Mr Hughes concluded that there must be an all-island strategy to tackle the disease, saying Bluetongue is a cross-border issue requiring a coordinated approach. He added: "DAERA and DAFM need to work together to protect our farmers and control the spread of this disease."