Bluetongue Fear is a Major Doorstep Talking Point

Tuesday 28 April 2009

SDLP European candidate Mr. Alban Maginness MLA has commented on his early-day findings on the canvas trail and he has spoken out at the European Union’s attitude towards the spread of the greatly dreaded Bluetongue disease.

Mr. Maginness said "when canvassing in rural areas across the North I found that there is a serious worry regarding the dangers of Bluetongue reaching, or worse still, being imported into the area. The sheep farmers that I spoke with are particularly concerned in that many fear wipe-out of their flocks should the disease strike. I did find a few hill farmers that believed that their stock was at a lesser risk because of the elevations of their farms but the overall fear should not be underestimated by DARD. The consequences, should the disease reach here, are serious and the concerns of most stock holders must be a priority whilst the threat remains".

Concluding Mr. Maginness said "More could be done by Europe on the matter and to prevent the spread of the disease. For example I find it ludicrous that free trade is currently permitted in bluetounge zones. This to me is an absolute nonsense. A disease with such devastating potential should be isolated immediately and wherever it is discovered. There should be no other options if the threat is to be taken seriously"