Since then, a calf born to the infected cow and three others born since from the same consignment have also tested positive for the killer livestock disease.

In total, 29 cows and calves were slaughtered as a precautionary measure, Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew announced yesterday.

The infected cow and calf were slaughtered at the end of last week and the remaining cattle were culled yesterday.

No compensation will be paid to the farmer who imported the animals from the Netherlands in January. Evidence of contact with bluetongue emerged in the cattle even though they were tested before and after import to Northern Ireland.

Source: Belfast Telegraph