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NI back on foot-and-mouth alert EU's foot-and-mouth move welcomed
(about 6 hours later)
Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew is to brief the Executive on Northern Ireland's response to the latest foot-and-mouth outbreak in England. The Ulster Farmers Union has welcomed the EU Commission's decision to officially recognise Northern Ireland's foot-and-mouth free status.
The move will allow local produce to be exported without disruption.
Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew is to brief the Executive on Northern Ireland's response to the latest outbreak of the disease in England.
She has already ordered a ban on the movement of cattle, pigs, goats and sheep from Britain.She has already ordered a ban on the movement of cattle, pigs, goats and sheep from Britain.
Certain animal products including raw meat and unpasteurised milk are banned.Certain animal products including raw meat and unpasteurised milk are banned.
Disinfectant mats are also being placed at ports and airports. Ms Gildernew said everything was being done to keep the disease out of Northern Ireland.Disinfectant mats are also being placed at ports and airports. Ms Gildernew said everything was being done to keep the disease out of Northern Ireland.
Livestock imports from England to Ireland were halted on Wednesday after the disease outbreak in Surrey.Livestock imports from England to Ireland were halted on Wednesday after the disease outbreak in Surrey.
Mrs Gildernew said the priority was to trace imports of livestock from Britain in recent days. 'Swift response'
The UFU's Kenneth Sharkey welcomed the "swift response" of the Department of Agriculture.
"The ban on the importation of livestock and produce from GB, coupled with controls at ports and airports are necessary to help protect the local industry from the disease.
"They have also resulted in the European Commission officially recognising our disease free status," he said.
Ms Gildernew said the priority was to trace imports of livestock from Britain in recent days.
She said veterinary staff were working to trace and inspect 65 consignments of live animals.She said veterinary staff were working to trace and inspect 65 consignments of live animals.
InspectionsInspections
Clinicial inspections should be completed by the end of the day.Clinicial inspections should be completed by the end of the day.
It is the first meeting of the Executive since the Assembly returned from its summer break.It is the first meeting of the Executive since the Assembly returned from its summer break.
Ministers will also discuss the recent sudden deaths of young people in sport.Ministers will also discuss the recent sudden deaths of young people in sport.
Organised dog fighting - an issue highlight by a recent BBC Spotlight investigation - and restrictions on the sale of tobacco to young people are also on the agenda.Organised dog fighting - an issue highlight by a recent BBC Spotlight investigation - and restrictions on the sale of tobacco to young people are also on the agenda.
Finance Minister Peter Robinson will also make a presentation setting out his approach to the forthcoming draft budget.Finance Minister Peter Robinson will also make a presentation setting out his approach to the forthcoming draft budget.