Confirmation of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease within a sheep flock at Proleek, near Jenkinstown in Co Louth, is deeply depressing news because of the strenuous communal efforts that had been made to keep the disease out. But it could be worse. The outbreak has taken place within a 10 kilometre surveillance area that was established following the emergence of the disease in Northern Ireland on March 1st and it is being officially regarded as a secondary infection. Because the area was subjected to stringent controls in recent weeks, with all movement of animals prohibited, the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, has expressed the hope that the outbreak can be managed and dealt with locally.
It is still possible that the great bulk of Irish farmers will escape the ravages sweeping the British countryside, with smoking pyres of dead animals and desolated communities. The stringent precautions that were introduced here at an early stage may not just control the disease but could help to keep valuable markets open. This morning, the EU's Standing Veterinary Committee will decide whether farm produce from areas outside of County Louth can be exported and sold, following a recommendation to that effect by EU Commissioner, Mr David Byrne. Such a decision would be of enormous benefit to farmers, to the food processing industry and to the economy. A similar concession has already been granted to France.
Last evening, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, called for the wholehearted support of all sectors of the community in meeting the challenge posed by this dreadful disease. He was unable to predict how long the crisis would last, but was insistent that every citizen should follow the directives given by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. And, as an indication of the Government's own commitment, he announced the postponement of the Fianna Fail ardfheis, which was scheduled to be held on April 6th and 7th. Even if the first foot and mouth outbreak in this State for sixty years can be contained, however, loss and damage will be widespread. Already, the tourist and hospitality sector has estimated that its losses exceed £200 million and cancellations of bookings are running at 20/25 per cent higher than last year. It is our second largest industry, generating over £3 billion a year in foreign exchange earnings; employing more than 150,000 people and representing about 4 per cent of GNP. Some relief has been offered to the industry by the Government's decision that relaxation measures involving conferences, sporting events and national monuments will continue, while angling will be allowed where access to farmland is not involved.
The British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, telephoned the Taoiseach yesterday as a gesture of solidarity. And Mr Ahern took the opportunity to impress on Mr Blair the need to take all possible precautionary and disinfection measures at British ports in order to prevent the spread of the disease. In doing so, he diplomatically sidestepped a widely held and less cordial view here that the British Government's response to the disease has been shamefully slow and, in the initial stages, bordering on the incompetent. Heads of government are expected to devote some time to the issue at a European Summit meeting in Stockholm, today and tomorrow. In the meantime, the dismal tidings from Co. Louth, where an estimated 16,500 animals are likely to be culled within the next week, should serve to unite this society in its determination to eradicate this potential plague. Sacrifices will be required across the community. Perseverance, commitment and self-discipline are the watchwords.