The Government has announced a temporary ban on the importation of live poultry from Northern Ireland, following a review of the Newcastle disease case confirmed in Co Cavan last week.
The ban covers most categories of live poultry and hatching eggs but does not extend to live poultry intended for immediate slaughter or table eggs. Poultry meat is also excluded from the ban.
The Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture said it would be seeking urgent clarification of the decision. A spokesman said the temporary ban "could result in long term damage to producers both here and in the Republic".
The Minister for Agriculture Mr Yates, said yesterday that the interim protective measures are available to him under EU legislation. The EU Commission and all other member states are being notified of the move, which will be reviewed on Thursday after meetings today and tomorrow of the EU Standing Veterinary Committee.
The committee is expected to consider the implications of the disease threat for all member states. It will also examine the Irish ban in the context of EU law.
Mr Diarmuid Dooge, vice president of the Irish Veterinary Association, said the temporary ban "makes scientific sense. Until we see the situation cool down in the North we should be very selective about the birds we allow into the country," he said.
There was criticism, however, from the Fianna Fail spokesman on agriculture, Mr Hugh Byrne, who accused Mr Yates of "gross negligence" by waiting until yesterday to impose the ban.
