FARMERS in south Armagh are facing dark days and potential financial ruin as “thugs” attempt to spread brucellosis into herds.
That was the view of Crossmaglen suckler farmer Terry Hearty following the latest outbreak of the disease in Keady.
Over 300 cows were destroyed because of the introduction of the highly infectious disease with the potential of this figure rising to 500.
Agriculture minister Michelle Gildernew confirmed six outbreaks in the south Armagh area and has promised stringent controls.
Councillor Hearty described the introduction of the infection as sickening and gave his opinion on those behind it.
“It’s a number of thugs who are trying to bring a bad name to the farming community are responsible for this,” he said.
“These people could have poor quality cattle and are infecting them in a bid to get compensation which is usually just 75 per cent of the market value.
“THIS isn’t doing the farming industry of decent farmers any good.
“Around 99 per cent have good quality stocks and are getting good prices at the mart so there’s no reason to this. We don’t need it.”
Describing the outbreak as tantamount to a criminal act was SDLP Newry and Armagh assemblyman Dominic Bradley.
“Those who deliberately set out to spread this disease for their own selfish gain are acting in a criminal manner which puts human and animal health as well of the livelihood of farmers at risk,” he said.
“Such activity endangers the Brucellosis Control Programme throughout the island of Ireland.
“Their behaviour shows a total lack of responsibility and those guilty of such acts need to be brought to book.
“Many herds have had to be destroyed bringing heartache to many farmers who have worked diligently over decades to build up their stock.”
The Crawley family’s herd at Lislea was sabotaged in January.
A foetus with the highly contagious disease was dumped in a field and as a result the family’s entire herd of 83 cattle was destroyed.
At the time, Declan Crawley told of their horror: “In our eyes, the people who don’t this have no conscience.
“The extent they went to showed a lot of disrespect for the farming community.
“Nearby farmers are disgusted by this but the level of support we’ve had has been second to none.
“It’s a distressing time, we just feel very hurt over it. We just hope the perpetrators are caught and stopped.”
Councillor Hearty says it’s too soon to speculate whether the Crawley’s case was linked to the Keady outbreak.
However, following the Lislea outbreak, a liaison group was set up by concerned farmers that meet with the department every three months to provide an update.
The agriculture minister has confirmed the department’s intent to “stamp out” the disease that can cause terminations in animals and can present itself as flu-like symptoms in adults.
“We know that we have the widespread backing of the farming community in our efforts to eradicate this disease,” Ms Gildernew said.
“I am determined that the illegal activities of a few self-serving individuals do not undermine our efforts to eradicate brucellosis.”