I join other Members of this House in expressing empathy for the farmers in the south east who in recent weeks have been unfortunate enough to have had animals in their herds test positive for a form of bluetongue. In Carlow and Kilkenny, and indeed throughout Ireland, farming is not just a job. It is a vocation and a way of life. When disaster strikes, whether through disease or adverse weather conditions, it hits not only the farmer but also his or her family, and is felt deeply throughout the community. Coming from a farming background, I know how it feels to be at the mercy of the elements and the cruel manner in which everything can change in an instant. Many of us in this Chamber can remember the early months of 2001 when an outbreak of foot and mouth disease ground Irish agriculture to a halt virtually overnight. Any farmers who have had a reactor for TB or have faced into their lands being devastated by flooding know the dread, uncertainty and helplessness that can upend their lives without warning. While bluetongue is not a disease that poses a risk to humans and, thankfully, it does not affect the quality of our food, this outbreak is of serious concern to farmers and the agri industry in Ireland. Symptoms of bluetongue can be particularly distressing for the infected animals. Fever, drooling, facial swelling, lameness and ulcers in the mouth are all known symptoms of the disease that farmers must be on the lookout for in the coming months. Devastatingly, among sheep, bluetongue has a mortality rate of up to 70%. Regarding the trade of meat and dairy products, there are no implications for exports to the UK or to most of our international markets. However, movements of livestock to certain EU member states and third countries will be affected now that Ireland has lost its status as free of bovine TB. I know that the Minister for agriculture and his team are working hard to negotiate revisions to many trade certificates for third countries. Indeed, the sudden appearance of bluetongue is a reminder of the critical importance for global supply chains that contingency plans be made and put in place. The Department is engaged in extensive surveillance in Wexford and across the south east to work against and prevent the further spread of the disease. These confirmed cases have led to the suspension of both breeding and store cattle being moved from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland. Exports to Northern Ireland are only permitted if direct for slaughter. As we have all learned over recent years, disease does not respect international borders. In my view, the best way of managing outbreaks of bluetongue in both jurisdictions is through a collaborative, all-of-Ireland approach. It is only through close co-operation with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in the North that we can restore the important trade in feeding and breeding animals. Farming organisations South and North should be applauded because they have met to highlight the need for close collaboration in this regard. I know that this Government will not be found wanting. This is exemplified by the decision taken last December by the Minister, Deputy Heydon, to allow for BTV-3 vaccination in Ireland this year. Vaccination remains the only evidence-based control option now available to farmers at risk of exposure. The Minister has led from the front on this issue and I encourage all farmers to consult their veterinary practitioners to see if vaccination is suitable for their livestock. Given that bluetongue is, as we know, spread by midges that cannot survive in Irish winter temperatures, there are grounds for optimism at present. However, we must remain cautious. Midges typically begin to reappear in April and can remain active until November, meaning that as we start to come into summer, the likelihood of infection spreading will rise. Wind speed and direction can also affect how far midges can travel and this could potentially facilitate the spread of the disease. We must remain vigilant. That is why it is so vital that advice from the Department of agriculture be heeded. In cases of suspected bluetongue, farmers should isolate the suspect animal indoors immediately and report the case to the Department. Farmers should also contact their local regional veterinary office. Outside office hours, they should ring the national disease emergency hotline. The detection of bluetongue in Ireland comes as a disappointment, but considering the spread of the disease in Europe, it is not a surprise. With up to 1 million calves due to be born over the coming weeks, farmers across the country are understandably worried. However, the detection of the disease and the robust response from the Government are testament to the resilience of Irish agriculture. Irish farmers work incredibly hard to ensure that their produce is world renowned for the highest possible quality standards. It is that same resilience and appetite for hard work that will catch, contain and control bluetongue over the coming months.

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