March 11, 2008

Ireland's cattle exports to Italy disrupted by bluetongue reports

Ireland's shipment of store cattle and calves to Italy could be disrupted after the decision of Italian authorities to block imports from France to prevent the spread of bluetongue virus.

Irish officials expect that the recent ban on France posts serious threat to Ireland's exports as stock which passed across France are all denied entry.

EU regulations on the export of animals state that livestock must be rested within 29 hours of starting their journey. 

Irish shippers used French lairages while en-route to Italy.

As these facilities are not exclusive to Irish cattle and are also used by French exporters, Irish live exporters are no longer permitted to export any livestock held in French lairages.

Irish veterinary officials have been in contact with their counterparts in Italy to find a solution to the problem, yet this initiative has so far proven unsuccessful.

Irish exports to Italy had tapered off over the past few weeks due to the high volume of cattle which was imported from France ahead of the current restrictions being imposed.

With the ban on France, Ireland's exports are expected to increase over the next month or two.

However, alternate lairages will now have to be sourced by Ireland.