Advertisement

Readers like you keep news free for everyone.

More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.

Support us today
Not now
Saturday 25 March 2023 Dublin: 7°C

# Department of Agriculture

Last month
February 2023
# greyhound racing ireland
Dogs found dumped in Kildare bog likely suffered 'traumatic injuries'
Tests and post mortems have thrown renewed spotlight on the greyhound racing industry.
Last year
2022
# Farming
Cabinet to sign off on new Common Agicultural Policy worth close to €10 billion for farmers
For the first time, there will be specific measures to support female farmers.
# Animal Welfare
Gardaí and Department of Agriculture probing deaths of 400 bull calves on Co Limerick farm
The bull calves were found in a decomposed state after they appear to have succumbed to suspected disease and malnutrition.
# Afforestation
New scheme will allow landowners to plant one hectare of trees without forestry licence
The new scheme is set to be launched before the end of the year.
# Investigation
Over the Hill: Persistent overgrazing causing 'devastation' in vulnerable habitats
Many upland areas are experiencing ongoing grazing pressure and degradation, with rare plants disappearing.
Many upland areas are experiencing grazing pressure and degradation, with rare plants disappearing
Anthea Lacchia of investigative platform Noteworthy reports that overgrazing remains an issue despite being recognised as a problem for at least two decades
Protected areas will be lost if farmers are not given more support, according to experts
All time
# bird flu outbreak
Public advised not to handle sick or dead birds amid concerns over bird flu
The highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 has been reported in birds across Ireland.
# Galway
Avian Flu detected in wild falcon in Galway
The illness was detected in a sample taken from a Peregrine Falcon.
# Control of animals
Almost 20,000 horses euthanised after being seized by local authorities over past ten years
The figure represents more than 70% of equines seized from 2010 to 2020.
# Funding
Minister told greyhound racing not sustainable from commercial perspective during Covid prior to State funding boost
Greyhound Racing Ireland says that the additional funding has helped it to prevent further staff layoffs.
# Avian Influenza
Enhanced measures put in place to keep bird flu out of flocks
Risk to humans from the virus is considered very low.
# Disease
Strain of avian influenza found in wild bird in Limerick
The risk to humans is considered to be very low.
# sanitiser
Public told not to purchase non-registered hand sanitising products
The authorised products should have a clearly visible PCS or IE-BPA or EU number on the label, the department said.
# pigs and boars
Farmers warned over outbreak of deadly African Swine Fever in Germany
It’s the first time the disease, which affects pigs and wild boar, has broken out in Germany.
# stay alert
Departments warn of scams asking people for bank details
One person claiming to represent the Department of Agriculture has been phoning farmers asking for bank details.
# lyssavirus
Exposure to rabies-like virus found in animal in Cork
Rabies could not be ruled out from the samples taken from the sable.
# mooving up in the world
Droimeann cattle officially recognised as native rare Irish breed
There are currently 243 breeding females and 23 breeding males in Ireland.
# beef protests
Farmer protests end outside factories - but meat industry says 100,000 cattle in backlog
The protests ended last night after almost two months of disputes over beef prices.
# Animals
Around 40 knackeries close down temporarily as losses mount
“The sustainability of knackeries is in question,” a Louth TD said.
# beef talks
Meat Industry Ireland pulls out of beef talks over ongoing blockades
Talks between beef farmers, the Department of Agriculture and MII resumed this morning as protests continue.
# Farming
Explainer: Why have beef farmers across the country been protesting in recent weeks?
The Irish Farmers’ Association has said the Irish and European beef sectors are “in crisis”.
# Dead meat
Over 200 tonnes of unfit or illegal meat and food products seized at Irish ports since 2016
The meat was seized after failing to meet standards for import into Ireland.
# Horsemeat
Seven locations searched by Gardaí as part of horsemeat investigation
Searches took place across the country as part of an ongoing Garda investigation into horsemeat sales.
# Gorse Fires
No one has been prosecuted for deliberately starting wildfires since 2012
This burning of land is illegal from 1 March to 31 August, but there’s only been 11 prosecutions in over 10 years.
# after brexit
Government to award €80k contract for 75,000 pet passports
With requirements for pet travel to the UK likely to change with Brexit, the government is ordering a lot more pet passports.
# burning land
Department warns that people who illegally burn land risk prosecution
Burning land between 1 March and 31 August is an offence under the 1976 Wildlife Act.
# no deal fears
Government issues estimated €4 million tender to station vets at border posts post-Brexit
This includes the possibility of placing them at potential border posts with Northern Ireland in the future.
# deery me
OPW sold carcasses of Phoenix Park deer culled by state-hired marksman to game dealer
Annual culls are carried out by the OPW to manage the number of wild deer in the park.
# Agriculture
Irish people asked not to bring back food from 8 EU countries to prevent spread of African Swine Fever
The Department of Agriculture said that if the disease reached Ireland, it would do “very serious damage to the pig industry”.
# Fire Safety
Rare Condition Red forest fire warning issued as highs of 30 degrees forecast tomorrow
Temperatures are due to range between 24 to 30 degrees tomorrow, according to Met Éireann.
# Electric Shock
'If you have to use a shock collar, you don't know how to train a dog - end of story'
There are calls for the Ireland to follow Scotland in banning the use of the canine training devices.
# Animal Abuse
'Absolutely horrendous': 16 abandoned, malnourished donkeys rescued in Mayo
One donkey was already dead when the Department of Agriculture arrived at the scene.
# Ballina
Bullock with serious injuries left unaided and alone at Mayo cattle mart for 10 hours
The animal was euthanised after being left in distress from morning until evening after sustaining a broken leg.
# Environment
Should Ireland start feeding its cows seaweed? The government isn't sure
Studies in Australia and Canada look promising, but the Department of Agriculture still have some questions.
# be vigilant
Irish farmers warned about Bluetongue virus after outbreaks in France
There have been 657 reported outbreaks in France since the start of this year.
# hen harriers
State scheme teams up farmers with endangered birds of prey
The scheme aims to bring farmers and environmentalists together to a mutual understanding of the others’ concerns.
# Tipperary
Sixth case of bird flu in Ireland found in whooper swan
The risk to humans is considered to be very low but the public is advised not to handle sick or dead birds.
# Back In The Game
Egypt reopens its beef market to Irish farmers ending 17-year ban
Five firms have got the green light to export to the major consumer market.
# anmal welfare
'Fantastic progress' in 2016 but animals in Irish circuses 'continue to suffer'
Four circuses were inspected by officials in 2016, but the minister says “no significant animal welfare issues were identified”.
# Outbreak
Bird flu found in wild duck in Wexford
The H5N8 virus is highly pathogenic, and has been found across the UK and Europe in recent times.
# H5N8
Farmers urged to check flocks after outbreak of bird flu in England
An outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 (bird flu) has been confirmed in Lincolnshire.