The suspected case of Bluetongue virus in cattle in Co Down is very disappointing and concerning, the President of the Irish Farmers' Association has said.
Officials in Stormont's Agriculture Department say they are liaising with colleagues in the Republic of Ireland as part of all-island disease control measures.
Bluetongue is primarily transmitted through biting midges and affects cattle and sheep as well as goats, deer, llamas and alpacas.
It is predominately spread in summer.
While it does not have implications for human health it can have serious consequences for livestock and the agri-food industry.
The suspected outbreak was discovered in two cows on a holding near Bangor, Co Down.
A livestock movement ban has been introduced with a 20km radius.
IFA President Francie Gorman said everybody in farming had worked very diligently to avoid this scenario over the last 18 months, since the virus was first detected in England.
"Farmers are actively playing their part in monitoring livestock for any signs of the disease and reporting any suspicions to their vets and the department," he said.
Mr Gorman said most EU Member States with BTV 3 have overcome the issues with live exports through bilateral trade arrangements, adding that the Department of Agriculture must immediately move to have trade from Ireland facilitated should BTV 3 be found here.
"We cannot have any disruption for this vital trade," he said.
Compliance with restrictions urged
Stormont's Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir yesterday said the suspected cases were of great concern and urged compliance with the restrictions.
"While there was always a potential for Bluetongue to arrive here, given its prevalence in GB and the EU, we must now do all we can to protect our livestock and limit the spread of the disease.
"Members of the public should be reassured the virus does not have any impact on people or food safety.
"My department is working closely with all stakeholders, including colleagues in GB and the Republic of Ireland, to monitor the situation," Mr Muir said.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has described the suspected bluetongue outbreak in the north as "unwelcome".
He said it has "potentially serious implications".
"If the disease becomes established in one part of the island, it will be that much easier for it to spread, with consequences for animal health and welfare, and financial and emotional stress for farmers.
"However, I must emphasise that bluetongue does not have any implications for human health or food safety," he added.
