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16/07/2002
Rodgers hits out at foot-and-mouth vaccination recommendation
A government-commissioned report published on Tuesday has recommended that vaccination should be used to control any future foot-and-mouth outbreaks in the UK.
While the Royal Society inquiry said animals on an infected farm should still be culled, it did suggest that healthy livestock on neighbouring premises should be vaccinated as a "first resort" in preventing a further spread of the disease.
However, Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Brid Rodgers hit out at the report and said that vaccination should only be used as a last resort against foot-and-mouth.
The report, from Britain's foremost academy of science, is the first of two major studies into the government's handling of the epidemic last year.
Northern Ireland's first outbreak was detected on March 1 last year among sheep imported from Britain to south Armagh.
Thousands of sheep and cattle were culled as cases of the disease were discovered in County Tyrone and in the Glens of Antrim.
(MB)
While the Royal Society inquiry said animals on an infected farm should still be culled, it did suggest that healthy livestock on neighbouring premises should be vaccinated as a "first resort" in preventing a further spread of the disease.
However, Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Brid Rodgers hit out at the report and said that vaccination should only be used as a last resort against foot-and-mouth.
The report, from Britain's foremost academy of science, is the first of two major studies into the government's handling of the epidemic last year.
Northern Ireland's first outbreak was detected on March 1 last year among sheep imported from Britain to south Armagh.
Thousands of sheep and cattle were culled as cases of the disease were discovered in County Tyrone and in the Glens of Antrim.
(MB)
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27 August 2001
Further outbreaks of foot-and-mouth in England
Government vets are to inspect farms in Northumberland following the outbreak of eight cases of foot-and-mouth disease during the past four days. Widespread restrictions have been imposed on farms in the area, which have been free of the disease for nearly three months.
Further outbreaks of foot-and-mouth in England
Government vets are to inspect farms in Northumberland following the outbreak of eight cases of foot-and-mouth disease during the past four days. Widespread restrictions have been imposed on farms in the area, which have been free of the disease for nearly three months.
13 September 2021
Health Minister Thanks NI Healthcare Staff
As mass vaccination centres across Northern Ireland begin to close their doors, Health Minister Robin Swann has thanked staff who have "worked tirelessly" to deliver the vaccination programme.
Health Minister Thanks NI Healthcare Staff
As mass vaccination centres across Northern Ireland begin to close their doors, Health Minister Robin Swann has thanked staff who have "worked tirelessly" to deliver the vaccination programme.
28 July 2021
Number Of Regional Vaccination Centres To Close
Seven regional vaccination centres across Northern Ireland will close for first dose vaccines this weekend.
Number Of Regional Vaccination Centres To Close
Seven regional vaccination centres across Northern Ireland will close for first dose vaccines this weekend.
20 July 2021
Vaccination Programme Will Not Continue Indefinitely
Urging people to not be "left behind – don't miss out", Health Minister Robin Swann has warned that Northern Ireland's current vaccination programme will not be available to the public indefinitely.
Vaccination Programme Will Not Continue Indefinitely
Urging people to not be "left behind – don't miss out", Health Minister Robin Swann has warned that Northern Ireland's current vaccination programme will not be available to the public indefinitely.
09 January 2007
Pigs cleared of foot-and-mouth disease
The Department of Agriculture has today revealed that the samples taken from a number of pigs at an abattoir in County Antrim yesterday, are clear of foot-and-mouth disease.
Pigs cleared of foot-and-mouth disease
The Department of Agriculture has today revealed that the samples taken from a number of pigs at an abattoir in County Antrim yesterday, are clear of foot-and-mouth disease.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
