Call for livestock movements from north to south to be closed

Ciaran Mullooly MEP and Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice are calling for the precautionary closure of livestock movements from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland following confirmation of Bluetongue cases in the North.

They say the move is necessary to protect Irish farmers, safeguard animal health, and preserve Ireland’s disease-free status. They stress that Bluetongue has not been detected in the Republic and that animals moving from the Republic to Northern Ireland can continue as normal.

Both representatives made clear that Bluetongue poses absolutely no danger to human health. The disease affects ruminant livestock only, and meat, milk and all dairy products remain completely safe.

MEP Mullooly said: “Everyone -North and South - are working together to isolate and eliminate this outbreak. But until we know the full extent of infection in Northern Ireland, a temporary closure of north-to-south movements is the safest approach.”

Deputy Fitzmaurice added: “This is about protecting farmers and preventing a far bigger problem. A short-term precaution now will save us from long-term economic damage later.”

Both representatives said they will continue to update farmers and the public as the situation develops.