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FMD outbreak - local tragedy could become national calamity says McGrath
Fine Gael Deputy Spokesperson on Finance today called for everything possible to be done to contain FMD.
"Confirmation of this outbreak in the Cooley peninsula is a major blow nationally and to farmers in the Cooley area. The initial priority must be to contain this outbreak. We need to know, as quickly as possible, how it has spread that far. We must find the reason and eradicate it. It is even more important that the new and extended exclusion zone which the Minister has set up is made as watertight and impenetrable as possible.
"If anything needs to be done to support people in Cooley in the difficulties they will face, not just difficulties of physical movement but difficulties in earning their living, those measures should be put in place. It should be a part of this operation to ensure, as far as possible, that the effects on the people in the immediate area are minimised and that their needs are met.
"The Minister must outline any plans for contiguous vaccination in the areas surrounding the extended exclusion zone. All the measures in place throughout the country must be reconfirmed and strengthened. The controls on movement of livestock must be scrupulously observed and rigidly implemented. The provisions taken for disinfection must be beefed up because we cannot afford to take chances. The people of Westmeath have been very vigilant in the provision of disease control mats and now a renewed effort is called for," says Deputy McGrath.
"There must be no question now of relax restrictions in advice given to the population to help in prevention of the spread of this disease. We also need assurance that the UK authorities are taking all the measures possible to prevent spread of the disease.
"The main source of this disease is still on the other side of the Irish Sea. We continue to be at risk as long as new outbreaks continue in Great Britain and not just from the infection there already but from other vectors. We must insist that the UK authorities apply more stringent controls at points of exit from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and if necessary at points of entry into Northern Ireland," said Mr McGrath.
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