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Outbreak 'probably nipped in bud' Outbreak 'probably nipped in bud'
(10 minutes later)
The agriculture minister has said that a major outbreak of foot-and-mouth has "probably been nipped in the bud". The agriculture minister has said that an outbreak of foot-and-mouth has "probably been nipped in the bud".
Michelle Gildernew's comments came as she confirmed that NI is to be allowed to continue to export meat and dairy products. Michelle Gildernew's comments came as she confirmed that Northern Ireland is to be allowed to continue to export meat and dairy products.
She also said that all cattle imported from Britain since 1 July have been traced and show no sign of the disease.She also said that all cattle imported from Britain since 1 July have been traced and show no sign of the disease.
"There's still only the one confirmed outbreak so I think it's probably been nipped in the bud," she said."There's still only the one confirmed outbreak so I think it's probably been nipped in the bud," she said.
"Obviously foot-and-mouth disease is one of the worst things that can happen considering the cost to the industry in 2001.""Obviously foot-and-mouth disease is one of the worst things that can happen considering the cost to the industry in 2001."
The government has imposed a ban on the movement of livestock in England, Scotland and Wales.The government has imposed a ban on the movement of livestock in England, Scotland and Wales.
Ulster Farmers' Union president Kenneth Sharkey welcomed the news that NI will be allowed to export.Ulster Farmers' Union president Kenneth Sharkey welcomed the news that NI will be allowed to export.
"We are delighted with that decision. It is what we expected because there is really no justification for introducing a ban in Northern Ireland.""We are delighted with that decision. It is what we expected because there is really no justification for introducing a ban in Northern Ireland."
BriefingBriefing
Earlier on Monday, Ms Gildernew briefed a Stormont committee on moves to ensure foot-and-mouth disease does not spread to Northern Ireland.Earlier on Monday, Ms Gildernew briefed a Stormont committee on moves to ensure foot-and-mouth disease does not spread to Northern Ireland.
The meeting came amid efforts to identify the source of the outbreak in Surrey.The meeting came amid efforts to identify the source of the outbreak in Surrey.
Ms Gildernew set out the local response to the emergency.Ms Gildernew set out the local response to the emergency.
Northern Ireland has imposed a ban on all cattle, sheep and pigs from Britain, but there are currently no restrictions on the movement of livestock within NI and across the border.Northern Ireland has imposed a ban on all cattle, sheep and pigs from Britain, but there are currently no restrictions on the movement of livestock within NI and across the border.
A temporary ban has also been placed on the import of fresh meat and unpasteurised milk from the rest of the UK.A temporary ban has also been placed on the import of fresh meat and unpasteurised milk from the rest of the UK.
Disinfected mats have also been installed at airports and seaports through which all passengers and vehicles entering the province must travel.Disinfected mats have also been installed at airports and seaports through which all passengers and vehicles entering the province must travel.