Movement restrictions are now being lifted on the Co Antrim abattoir and Co Down farm following receipt of these negative test results.

Bert Houston, Chief Veterinary Officer said: "Negative results today from the laboratory tests mean that we have ruled out suspicion of Foot and Mouth Disease and Swine Vesicular Disease. Restrictions are now being lifted on the abattoir and the farm from which the pigs originated.

"We picked up this suspect case as part of routine surveillance. We expect to have cases like this from time to time and this shows our alert systems are operating effectively. It also demonstrates that we are in a position to take necessary steps quickly in a suspect disease situation."

In conclusion, Mr Houston said: "Good bio-security is a best line of defence for these diseases and I would like to thank the abattoir and the farm concerned for their vigilance and co-operation on this issue."

The symptoms of Swine Vesicular Disease in pigs are difficult to distinguish from those of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

As a precautionary measure and in accordance with EU requirements, on 8 January 2007 DARD imposed some limited animal movement restrictions.

ThePigSite News Desk