Daera

UFU president William Irvine said there was extremely limited focus on the most critical issue – the need for an effective eradication programme addressing all sources of infection

The National Sheep Association (NSA) said it held a ‘constructive’ meeting with Minister Andrew Muir and key officials from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

"This was a shocking case of animal neglect and animal suffering."

Sean Fitzpatrick, of the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers' Association, said: "How can anyone expect our sheep farmers to maintain this when their income, which needs to support not only a business but a home, is getting significantly cut?"

‘XI' prefix tags can be used on newborn cattle, sheep, and goats from 30 June 2025

"This detection is a clear reminder of the threat of the disease"

"Agriculture has a significant role economically, socially, culturally and environmentally"