Farmers warned of virus risk.

FARME R S importing hundreds of live animals into Northern Ireland risk spreading blue tongue virus, a union warned yesterday.

The cattle and sheep disease has devastated herds in Great Britain and the Ulster Farmers' Union warned against its spread here.

UFU president Kenneth Sharkey said: "The latest figures for live animal imports are very worrying.

"Week in and week out hundreds of cattle and sheep are brought in and this is placing out entire livestock sector at an unnecessary risk.

"A bluetongue outbreak would threaten the livelihoods of families here and we are calling on those who are bringing in livestock to think again about the potential consequences."