Veerman maintains animal export ban

21 August 2006

AMSTERDAM — Agriculture Minister Cees Veerman has defended the nationwide export ban he imposed last week on live cattle, sheep and goats when an outbreak of the viral disease bluetongue was detected in the south of the country.

The decision was taken last Thursday and includes all live products from ruminants, such as sperm, egg cells or embryos.

“We have to hold on to the good reputation we have with our customers all over the world for the excellent breeding material that we have in the Netherlands”, Veerman told Radio 1 Journaal on Monday.

A majority of MPs in the Lower House would like to see the ban lifted as quickly as possible. The minister said that it was of the utmost importance to first ascertain the geographical distribution of the illness, which is spread by mosquito.

So far, infected animals have only been found in southern Limburg. But the disease has also been found in Belgium, where no export ban has been imposed.

So far, infected animals have only been found in South Limburg. But the disease has also been found in Belgium, where no export ban has been imposed.

The German Agriculture Ministry also revealed on Monday that the disease has been found on several farms near Aken.

The European Commission is debating what measures EU member states should take, including the possible creation of a blockade zone covering most of the Netherlands, most of Belgium, all of Luxembourg and parts of western Germany and northern France.

All transport of cows, sheep and goats within and export from the zone would be suspended.

Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease affecting all species of ruminant, although sheep are most severely affected. The disease does not pose a risk to human health.

Subject: Dutch news