The EU veterinary committee has extended a ban on exports of livestock, meat and dairy products from Britain and Ireland until April 19th. The standing veterinary committee agreed yesterday to European Commission proposals that "existing restrictions" be extended. The move was expected.
The restrictions on the Republic cover all cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. They also apply to meat and dairy products from anywhere in the State unless appropriately treated. Tighter regional restrictions apply to movement of stock and food products with the infected area of Co Louth.
Meanwhile, the chief executive of An Bord Bia, Mr Michael Duffy, has welcomed indications that the French authorities have satisfied themselves that sheep thought to have spread foot-and-mouth disease in France were not infected when they left Ireland. He said he had spent a considerable time talking to the authorities while they were investigating the situation and awaiting clarification.
Mr Duffy said Bord Bia had cancelled participation in three major food events: the International Food Exhibition, which finishes in London today, the IFEX exhibition in Belfast from April 3rd to 5th and Bord Bia's speciality foods symposium in Kinsale, Co Cork, in May.
While the Russian ban on EU food imports continued, he said, two Russian vets were in the jurisdiction because of the agreement in relation to the counties which can export meat under BSE arrangements. They were being briefed fully by the Department of Agriculture.
"Their ban is a very sweeping measure, covering the EU and European countries," he said.
Meat and dairy products were being exported as normal this week, he added, because the Department had put certification procedures in place over the weekend and companies were using them.