Bluetongue disease was confirmed in Northern Ireland for the first time today. The virus was found in a dairy cow imported to the province from the Netherlands, said Stormont Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew.
It was one of 21 heifers shipped to a Co Antrim farm last month. The Ulster Farmers' Union called for an immediate voluntary end to livestock imports until further notice.
UFU president Kenneth Starkey said: "The animal involved in this unfolding situation followed all the import control procedures that have been put in place to protect Northern Ireland from the disease.
"The disease has nevertheless emerged so it is now clear the current import controls do not guarantee that we are protected."
Ms Gildernew urged farmers to remain vigilant and to reconsider importing from infected areas.
The minister said: "I cannot stress enough the importance of farmers remaining vigilant for signs of the disease.
"I would continue to urge all farmers to think very carefully before importing susceptible animals from bluetongue-infected countries.
"It is the responsibility of farmers to ensure they do not bring bluetongue to the North."
She reminded farmers that the Government would not pay them any compensation if an infected import had to be slaughtered.
The animal tested positive for the virus following routine post-import testing undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Ms Gildernew said she acted decisively yesterday to have the animal slaughtered and restrictions placed around the rest of the herd. The remaining cattle will be tested for any further evidence of the virus.
The minister said: "An epidemiological investigation has begun to assess the situation.
"This investigation will help determine if disease is circulating but at this time there is no evidence to suggest that it is."