The North's Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has announced that she is replacing the suspension of the imports of certain animals with new controls authorised by recent European Commission amendments to the Bluetongue Regulations.

"I have been raising my concerns about the European Bluetongue Regulations since the North Antrim case in February demonstrated the risk posed by the importation of pregnant animals. I am pleased that the Commission has taken those concerns fully on board."

Ms Gildernew continued: "I also welcome the additional controls that the Commission has introduced to allow Member States to apply a derogation and to impose stronger movement controls."

The EU Commission's two recently published amendments to the rules for the movements of animals address: (a) the risk of the spread of Bluetongue by pregnant animals; and (b) subject to derogation, allow only cattle, sheep and goats that are less than 90 days old or that have proven natural or vaccinated immunity to Bluetongue to be imported from Bluetongue restricted areas.

This second amendment will be effective until 31 December 2008 when it may be reviewed by the Commission.

The Minister said she planned to introduce the derogation as soon as it was granted by the Commission."