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Pledge to keep out foot-and-mouth NI ports on foot-and-mouth alert
(about 3 hours later)
Everything will be done to keep foot-and-mouth disease out of NI and the island of Ireland, the executive has said. Disinfectant mats have been installed at Northern Ireland's ports and airports in a bid to prevent foot-and-mouth disease.
Ministers held an emergency meeting to discuss the discovery of foot-and-mouth in England.Ministers held an emergency meeting to discuss the discovery of foot-and-mouth in England.
Precautionary measures are already in place in NI, including a ban on all cattle, sheep and pigs from Britain. Other precautionary measures already in place include a ban on all cattle, sheep and pigs from Britain.
At present, there are no restrictions on the movement of livestock within NI and across the border.
First Minister Ian Paisley said while measures had been implemented, it was important that the general public were not spreading the infection.
"It is essential that those handling animals co-operate fully with the relevant agencies but equally every citizen has a duty to act responsibly," he said.
"Those who were travelling in the Surrey area should take particular cognisance of this matter."
Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said her department was working closely with its counterpart in Dublin.Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said her department was working closely with its counterpart in Dublin.
She said they wanted to maintain a co-ordinated approach.She said they wanted to maintain a co-ordinated approach.
She has also revoked all specific import licences with immediate effect.She has also revoked all specific import licences with immediate effect.
"Following confirmation of the disease in England, I have taken the precautionary step of closing local ports to animals from GB," said the minister."Following confirmation of the disease in England, I have taken the precautionary step of closing local ports to animals from GB," said the minister.
"Everything that can be done will be done to contain this incident from becoming a major outbreak.""Everything that can be done will be done to contain this incident from becoming a major outbreak."
Culled and incineratedCulled and incinerated
Ulster Farmers' Union president Kenneth Sharkey said he supported the minister's immediate decision to ban the importation of live animals from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.Ulster Farmers' Union president Kenneth Sharkey said he supported the minister's immediate decision to ban the importation of live animals from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
"A clear lesson from the 2001 outbreak is that swift action when a disease is detected is crucial," he said."A clear lesson from the 2001 outbreak is that swift action when a disease is detected is crucial," he said.
"Farmers will be prepared to endure whatever inconveniences are necessary in the short run to avoid the disease spreading further.""Farmers will be prepared to endure whatever inconveniences are necessary in the short run to avoid the disease spreading further."
Cattle at a farm in Surrey were found to be infected with foot-and-mouth disease.Cattle at a farm in Surrey were found to be infected with foot-and-mouth disease.
Some 60 animals on the farm close to the village of Wanborough near Guildford have tested positive for the disease which wreaked havoc in 2001.Some 60 animals on the farm close to the village of Wanborough near Guildford have tested positive for the disease which wreaked havoc in 2001.
A 3km protection zone has been put in place around the premises.A 3km protection zone has been put in place around the premises.
In accordance with legislation, all cattle on the Surrey premises will be culled and incinerated, UK Chief Veterinary Officer Debby Reynolds said.In accordance with legislation, all cattle on the Surrey premises will be culled and incinerated, UK Chief Veterinary Officer Debby Reynolds said.
Foot-and-mouth caused havoc in the UK in 2001Foot-and-mouth caused havoc in the UK in 2001
More than 50,000 animals were culled in Northern Ireland during the 2001 outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.More than 50,000 animals were culled in Northern Ireland during the 2001 outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.
More than £7.5m was paid to Northern Ireland farmers in compensation following the 2001 outbreak.More than £7.5m was paid to Northern Ireland farmers in compensation following the 2001 outbreak.
Across the UK, the outbreak led to the slaughter of 6.5 million animals and is thought to have cost the economy £8bn.Across the UK, the outbreak led to the slaughter of 6.5 million animals and is thought to have cost the economy £8bn.