Latest news with #DAERA
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Sunday World
Maguiresbridge mourns as book of condolences opens at shooting victims' former primary school
Respects were paid to Vanessa Whyte (45) and her children James (13) and Sara (14) at Maguiresbridge Primary School. A book of condolence was set up in Maguiresbridge,Primary School. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye A book of condolence was set up in Maguiresbridge,Primary School. Inset: Vanessa Whyte and her two children, James and Sara Crowds of people have paid tribute as a book of condolences was opened to commemorate the three victims of a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh. Streams of people journeyed to Maguiresbridge Primary School today and paid their respects to Vanessa Whyte (45) and her children James (13) and Sara (14). Both children had previously attended the school. Police have since launched a murder investigation and are pursuing a murder-attempted suicide bid as a line of enquiry. A book of condolence was set up in Maguiresbridge,Primary School. Inset: Vanessa Whyte and her two children, James and Sara News in 90 Seconds - July 25th The tribute, organised by the Maguiresbridge Rural Development Association, saw a photo of the three victims surrounded by lit candles. The school's principal, Honor Irvine, explained that she knew both Sara and James 'really well' having taught them for two years each. Ms Irvine said the pair were well-loved and that 'they just wanted to achieve' with Vanessa 'supporting them with everything that they did'. 'James loved sport. He loved to be outdoors — he loved farming,' she told the Belfast Telegraph. 'Sara was the same, she built up and had great friendships in the school, loved the outdoors, full of life. But they were very good at their studies as well, academically, very good and had both transferred on to Enniskillen Grammar School, where again, they were achieving and doing really well. 'Just two lovely all-around pupils, lots of friends, very popular in the school and a lot of friends they maintained into post-primary school.' A book of condolence was set up in Maguiresbridge,Primary School. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye A trophy earned by James for his efforts with the school's initiatives was also on display in the school. Both teenagers were active members of the GAA community and played for Lisbellaw Hurling Club and St Mary's GFC. Vanessa was a veterinarian and worked with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Several of her colleagues have signed the book. Ms Irvine added: 'We all felt that there was a need for somewhere for the community to come together to share stories and we've had a group of vets just in from DAERA talking about Vanessa.' DUP leader Gavin Robinson signed the book alongside the party's MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Deborah Erskine. Mr Robinson told the media how it was vital a space was created so that those grieving can 'pay their respects and indicate the personal sorrow that they feel'. The east Belfast MP said: 'Inside we could hear very clearly the deep affection that they have for James and Sara and their mother Vanessa. 'The stories that they shared with us about the experience in this primary school, within the classroom, the joy that was brought to the classroom just brings home how shocking, how tragic and how sorrowful this is an experience for the local Maguiresbridge family and community. 'So for us today, it's an opportunity to give respectful remembrance to three lost lives that should not have been lost and to give support to a wider community that will gather this evening for a vigil [and] will come together and I know will support one another in what is a most difficult, difficult time and so we were pleased to be here to offer our sincere condolences and support to the families and to this community.' Ms Erskine added that the community will 'wrap their arms around' the family whose lives 'have been turned completely upside-down'. She continued: 'We've seen how churches have cancelled their events, we've seen a band has cancelled their parade, and we've seen how the GAA have opened up their facilities for people.' A fourth person, a man who was a member of the same household, remains in a serious condition in hospital in Belfast following the incident on Wednesday. Flowers left near the scene in Maguiresbridge Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Superintendent Robert McGowan told reporters earlier in the week that the individual has 'a limited footprint' with the PSNI as well as a 'limited domestic history'. While Mr Robinson acknowledged the necessity of the Stormont strategy end violence against women and girls, he said that sometimes 'no matter what the government does, you will still see tragedy'. 'I think the Executive is collective in its desire to do what it can to stamp out the scourge of violence we see in our society, particularly towards women and girls and that we recognise, in this case, the victims do not solely confine themselves to women and girls, because there's a young boy, that has been killed as well.' Maguiresbridge Christ Church Reverend, Reverend Lindsey Farrell, told the Belfast Telegraph of the devastation the local community has suffered. Rev Farrell had known of both Sara and James and offered her prayers to all those afflicted by the tragedy. She said: 'We are a strong community here at Maguiresbridge and the vigil that is planned for this evening is hoped to provide a mechanism of support for the community. And it is hoped that it will be a show of love and support for the family members who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.'
Agriland
4 days ago
- Health
- Agriland
UFU: Farmers considering bluetongue vaccine should consult vet
The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) has advised farmers in Northern Ireland considering using a bluetongue vaccine to consult with their vet. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has permitted the voluntary use of three bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines in Northern Ireland, subject to licensing. The UFU noted that Northern Ireland remains free of the virus and this decision provides livestock keepers with an additional tool as a precautionary, secondary line of defence against the disease. Bluetongue is a notifiable exotic viral disease which can cause severe clinical signs in ruminant species, such as cattle, sheep and goats, along with camelids. The virus, which does not pose a risk to human health or food safety, is primarily spread by the bite of infected midges, which are more active in warmer months Bluetongue UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy said the approval of these vaccines may offer farmers 'another option in managing potential risks'. 'It's important to understand that while these vaccines do not prevent infection or transmission, they are intended to reduce the severity of clinical signs and mortality in affected animals. 'Any farmers who are considering vaccination must consult their private veterinary surgeon. 'This will enable them to discuss whether vaccination is appropriate for their specific livestock and farm system, taking into account factors such as the timings of any vaccination programme and future animal movements or buying and selling policies,' he said. 'Our primary aim remains to keep bluetongue out of Northern Ireland through robust bio-security measures, continued vigilance, and the safe sourcing of livestock. 'We urge all livestock keepers to remain vigilant for signs of BTV, especially as we enter the high-risk period, and to contact their private veterinary practitioner with any concerns,' Cuddy added. The UFU deputy president said that the decision to vaccinate is an individual one for each farmer, to be made in consultation with their veterinary professional. DAERA DAERA has said that if a farmer decides to vaccinate they must have a specific licence from the department to be able to obtain the vaccine. The department said that vaccinating animals does not impact on trade or movement of animals so long as Northern Ireland remains BTV-3 free. However, DAERA said that the use of vaccines may limit use of negative serology for germinal product certification to some third countries, requiring PCR instead. Farmers are being reminded that the direct movement of all live ruminants and camelids from Britain to Northern Ireland is still suspended and the use of approved unauthorised vaccines does not change this.
Agriland
4 days ago
- Health
- Agriland
DAFM favours early detection of bluetongue over vaccine
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has said its current approach to bluetongue is early detection and eradication, where possible. Bluetongue is a notifiable exotic viral disease caused by bluetongue virus (BTV) which can cause severe clinical signs in ruminant species, such as cattle, sheep and goats, along with camelids. The virus, which does not pose a risk to human health or food safety, is primarily spread by the bite of infected midges, which are more active in warmer months Ireland is currently free from the disease, however remains at risk of introduction, as it the virus is present across Europe. Vaccine There are three inactivated vaccines currently available for bluetongue serotype-3 (BTV3) in Europe. DAFM said that all three vaccines claim to reduce the levels of virus in the blood of infected animals and reduce clinical signs of disease. However, they do not claim to prevent animals from becoming infected. 'This means that vaccinated animals may still be capable of becoming infected with the disease, increasing the risk of onward spread without displaying clinical signs of disease. 'This would likely delay early detection of disease, reducing the opportunity for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to use the appropriate controls necessary to prevent the virus from becoming widely established in the midge population. 'Once established in the midge population, bluetongue is very challenging to control,' a department spokesperson told Agriland. The spokesperson added that 'the department's current approach to bluetongue, as with all exotic diseases, is early detection and eradication, where possible'. 'In the event that bluetongue becomes established in the midge population and in susceptible animals in Ireland, vaccination would become an important tool to minimise production losses,' they said. DAFM said that it continues to monitor the bluetongue situation across Europe and Britain, with 'ongoing contingency planning' for the management of an outbreak of the disease in Ireland. The department said it also undertakes regular communication and collaboration with colleagues in Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in preparing for such an eventuality. Bluetongue On Wednesday (July 23), the DAERA permitted the voluntary use of three bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines in Northern Ireland, subject to licensing. While Northern Ireland also remains free of the disease, DAERA said that livestock keepers and vets will now be able to take early, informed action as a precautionary, secondary line of defence against the disease. Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir said he took the decision to allow the use of the BTV-3 vaccines to give farmers and livestock keepers 'an additional safeguard alongside our surveillance, prompt detection and control'. 'It aims to provide an additional tool to help protect their flocks and herds,' the minister said. According to DAERA, the decision brings Northern Ireland into line with the voluntary, licensed use of BTV-3 vaccines in Scotland, Wales, and England, and reflects the evolving risk picture and demand for tools than can help build resilience against animal disease threats. Guidance is available on the DAERA website to farmers, veterinary surgeons and the wider industry on how the vaccine licensing process will work in practice. DAERA is urging all farmers to be vigilant for signs of the disease.
The Independent
5 days ago
- The Independent
Tributes paid to government vet Vanessa Whyte after Co Fermanagh shooting
Tributes have been paid to 'hugely respected' government vet Vanessa Whyte, who died with her two children in an incident in Co Fermanagh. Ms Whyte, 45, who was originally from Co Clare, and her 14-year-old son James and 13-year-old daughter Sara died following a shooting. A fourth person, a man, remains in a serious condition in hospital after the incident in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge on Wednesday. All four people are members of the same household and all four suffered gunshot wounds, police said. A murder investigation has been launched and police are pursuing a triple murder and attempted suicide line of inquiry. Katrina Godfrey, permanent secretary at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), said they deeply regret the death of their colleague. 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of her and her children in these tragic circumstances,' she said. 'Vanessa was a valued member of our Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group and a hugely respected member of the veterinary profession. 'She will be greatly missed by all who worked alongside her. 'On behalf of the department, we offer our sincere condolences to her family, friends and all those in the community impacted by her and her children's deaths. 'They will remain in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult days and months ahead as they and we come to terms with the loss.' Chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher said Ms White was a highly respected member of the DAERA Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group and a devoted mother and active member of her local community. 'Many of us had the privilege of knowing Vanessa personally and she was hugely admired by all those who came across her,' he said. 'The loss we feel today is immense and it has profoundly affected us. 'The next few days, weeks and months will be difficult for all who knew her – especially her family. 'We are thinking of her family, friends and neighbours at this time and we ask that people give everyone the time and space to come to terms with their loss at this difficult time.' Bishop of Clogher Larry Duffy said he was 'deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the death of a mother and two children near Maguiresbridge yesterday'. He said: 'While we do not know all the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, I am very aware that the news is causing deep distress in the community of Co Fermanagh and beyond. 'I assure the family of the deceased, and everyone affected by this tragedy, of my prayers and assure them of the prayerful support of the wider community.' St Patrick's Lisbellaw Hurling Club said all three were 'active and beloved members of our club and will be desperately missed'. 'We are working with the GAA at county, provincial and national level to implement the association's critical incident protocols,' it said. 'We will also work closely with all appropriate services to ensure that those who require support at this difficult time can access it.' First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly on Wednesday expressed their shock at the tragedy. 'We are deeply saddened by the events which have unfolded in Maguiresbridge this morning,' they said in a joint statement. 'Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims and their families, and the wider community. 'We want to pay tribute to and thank our emergency services who responded to the incident.'
Agriland
6 days ago
- Health
- Agriland
DAERA approves voluntary BTV-3 vaccine in NI
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has permitted the voluntary use of three bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines in Northern Ireland, subject to licensing. These vaccines are intended to reduce the severity of clinical signs and mortality in affected animals, though they do not prevent infection or transmission. While Northern Ireland remains free of the disease, livestock keepers and veterinary practitioners will now be able to take early, informed action as a precautionary, secondary line of defence against the disease. The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir said: 'My department is continuing to take all necessary actions to protect Northern Ireland from an incursion of Bluetongue virus. This includes our recently published BTV-3 Disease Control Framework. 'While we remain BTV free, I have now taken the decision to allow the use of the BTV-3 vaccines to give our farmers and livestock keepers an additional safeguard alongside our surveillance, prompt detection and control. 'It aims to provide an additional tool to help protect their flocks and herds,' the minister added. DAERA According to DAREA, the decision brings Northern Ireland into line with the voluntary, licensed use of BTV-3 vaccines in Scotland, Wales, and England, and reflects the evolving risk picture and demand for tools than can help build resilience against animal disease threats. The Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher said: 'Clear guidance is available on the DAERA website to farmers, veterinary surgeons and the wider industry on how the vaccine licensing process will work in practice. 'We continue to urge all livestock keepers to remain vigilant for the signs of BTV as we enter the high-risk period and advise them to contact their private veterinary practitioner should they have any concerns,' Dooher added. DAERA is urging all farmers to be vigilant for sings of the disease.
