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20/11/2003
NI Potato Ring Rot threat discussed
Officials from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) have met with representatives of the Northern Ireland potato industry to discuss the dangers posed by Ring Rot disease following its discovery on a farm in mid-Wales.
Following the discussion a Department spokesperson said the recent confirmation of the first ever discovery of ring rot disease in the UK was "an alarming development" that posed a major threat to Northern Ireland's potato industry.
"Our meeting today has been extremely useful in reinforcing the determination of all concerned to do everything possible to prevent this disease from spreading to Northern Ireland," the spokesperson added.
DARD officials confirmed that if introduced to Northern Ireland Potato Ring Rot could establish quickly as climatic conditions are favourable for its survival.
The bacteria can remain in stocks of potatoes, dry soil on equipment and stores for years, with temperatures below 18°C prolonging its survival.
Experience in other countries has shown that once established, eradication is virtually impossible.
"Growers and merchants are urged to follow DARD advice on maintaining strict hygiene standards on their premises at all times," the spokesperson continued.
"There is an acknowledgement that the risk of the bacterium being introduced here is high, but if our determination and the application of stringent precautionary measures are equally high, then we stand a good chance of remaining free of this disease."
Present controls undertaken by DARD include annual inspections of growing crops, inspection and cutting open of selected tubers from potato stocks, and laboratory examination of samples in accordance with EC specified protocols.
The premises of packers and processors are also visited regularly and samples of imported stock are taken for laboratory testing. Inspectors also check waste disposal systems to ensure safe disposal of waste. Seed potato stocks imported from GB are sampled and laboratory tested.
Growers and merchants are also urged to work closely with DARD inspectors and to keep them informed of imports of seed potatoes.
(MB)
Following the discussion a Department spokesperson said the recent confirmation of the first ever discovery of ring rot disease in the UK was "an alarming development" that posed a major threat to Northern Ireland's potato industry.
"Our meeting today has been extremely useful in reinforcing the determination of all concerned to do everything possible to prevent this disease from spreading to Northern Ireland," the spokesperson added.
DARD officials confirmed that if introduced to Northern Ireland Potato Ring Rot could establish quickly as climatic conditions are favourable for its survival.
The bacteria can remain in stocks of potatoes, dry soil on equipment and stores for years, with temperatures below 18°C prolonging its survival.
Experience in other countries has shown that once established, eradication is virtually impossible.
"Growers and merchants are urged to follow DARD advice on maintaining strict hygiene standards on their premises at all times," the spokesperson continued.
"There is an acknowledgement that the risk of the bacterium being introduced here is high, but if our determination and the application of stringent precautionary measures are equally high, then we stand a good chance of remaining free of this disease."
Present controls undertaken by DARD include annual inspections of growing crops, inspection and cutting open of selected tubers from potato stocks, and laboratory examination of samples in accordance with EC specified protocols.
The premises of packers and processors are also visited regularly and samples of imported stock are taken for laboratory testing. Inspectors also check waste disposal systems to ensure safe disposal of waste. Seed potato stocks imported from GB are sampled and laboratory tested.
Growers and merchants are also urged to work closely with DARD inspectors and to keep them informed of imports of seed potatoes.
(MB)
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