Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

Jan 17 2013

Evidence that exposure to Schmallenberg virus has been quite widespread in Southern and South-eastern counties of Ireland during 2012

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) was first identified in Germany in late 2011. The virus, which is
transmitted by biting midges is capable of causing disease in infected cattle and sheep, primarily
leading to the birth of malformed calves and lambs. Since its discovery, evidence of infection of
livestock with this virus has been found across Northern Europe with first reports of the virus
reaching South East England in January 2012. Given the likelihood that this vector-borne virus would
eventually reach our shores, DAFM began targeted surveillance in January 2012 and all deformed
calves and lambs presented for examination to Department Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs)
since then have been tested for the presence of the virus. The first positive case was detected in a
cattle herd in County Cork in late October 2012. To date the infection has been confirmed in
foetuses obtained from a further 20 cattle herds and 12 sheep flocks (33 herds/flocks in total). All of
these confirmed cases have been confined to Co. Cork (16 cases) and South Eastern counties (8 in
Wexford, 7 in Kilkenny, 1 in Wicklow and 1 in Waterford) as illustrated in the map in Annex 1 below.

More, incl. maps: DAFM - Ireland

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

jan 30 2013

The number of farms infected with the Schmallenberg virus has doubled in the past fortnight to 54.

The escalation in outbreaks is mainly happening in dairy and beef herds as the calving season gets underway.

Cork-based vet Bill Cashman said he had confirmed eight outbreaks in dairy herds.

An Animal Health Ireland (AHI) meeting due to be held at Clonakilty Agricultural College last week was relocated to the Shinagh trial farm when a series of abortions in the college's dairy herd triggered suspicions of a Schmallenberg outbreak.

Kildalton College in Kilkenny also lost more than 12pc of their early lambs to the disease, according to farm manager, John Walsh.

IFA National Sheep Committee chairman James Murphy has also had firsthand experience of the virus, with approximately 5pc of his flock showing signs of infection.

"The losses were a little higher than normal, but if that's the extent of the impact of the disease then I can live with that," he said.

Mr Murphy said the worst affected farmers believed they would lose half of their lamb crop.

"Farms in sheltered areas along rivers are much more prone to the disease," he said.

While British authorities have claimed that just 6pc of flocks suffered outbreaks, Mr Cashman said that this number only accounted for flocks with more than 25pc of ewes exhibiting signs of the disease.

"There is also evidence that the eggs laid by infected midges will also carry the disease, so the next generation of midges will also pose a threat," added Mr Cashman.

IMMUNITY

Mr Murphy added he was tempted to hold on to younger ewes in the hope that they would have immunity next year.

However, there is a lot of uncertainty among farmers as to the best approach, with some reports of British flocks being re-infected by the disease for a second time this year.

"We really need guidance from the Department (of Agriculture) on this issue now," said Mr Murphy.

Cork is the worst affected county with 21 cases so far, 80pc of which were in cattle herds.

Kilkenny and Wexford have 11 and 10 cases respectively. Together, these three counties account for over three quarters of all Schmallenberg outbreaks.

Carlow, Dublin, Tipperary, Waterford and Wicklow have also confirmed outbreaks.

- Darragh McCullough

Independent IE

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

machinetranslation

jan 9 2013

Czech Republic: malformed lambs infected with Schmallenberg virus

The result of passive monitoring in 2012 in the Czech Republic, 9 suspected infection Schmallenberg virus.

In cattle were raised on the basis of three suspected decrease performance and febrile illness. All three suspects have been infected by a virus Schmallenberg excluded.

Sheep said it suspects a total of 6 on the basis of a few viable or stillborn born lambs, which have been observed in a variety of malformations. The four suspects were infected Schmallenberg virus confirmed.

All 4 positive cases were confirmed in the second half of December 2012 (one in the Karlovy Vary region, one in the Shire Highlands and two in South Bohemia).

Clinically demonstrated a disease caused by a virus Schmallenberg culminates in the period from August to September (cattle). At present in the affected states disappeared virus in cattle, but there was an increased incidence of malformations in lambs. This situation is probably related to intrauterine exposure in previous months.

State Veterinary Administration decided in 2013 printed on the active monitoring of all bulls at semen collection centers throughout the Czech Republic. Regional Veterinary Administration ensure sampling (anticoagulated blood or serum) from all bulls who are its location in the collection centers. The blood sample then sent for examination to the State Veterinary Institute in Prague, Jihlava and Olomouc. Laboratory method for the serological examination . In the case of serologically positive outcome seam confirmatory virological examination .

Regional Veterinary Administration ensure continuous testing of all breeding bulls will be semen to its location in the whole of 2013.

More: SVSCR (National Veterinary Institute)

Link to map

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[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

Fertility problems caused by Schmallenberg infection are a wellknown phenomenon. Until now this did not get as much attention as the malformed offspring of cattle, sheep and goats. International serological evidence indicates the majority of adult animals in affected regions is positive for SBV.

Adult animals hit hard by Schmallenberg infection

Olivia Cooper

Thursday 31 January 2013

Schmallenberg virus could be affecting adult animals far worse than previously thought, farmers and farm vets have warned.

The virus had been thought to cause only brief, mild or moderate symptoms in adult cattle, with much worse life-threatening effects in unborn cattle, sheep and goats.

But Tim Bebbington, from Castle Vets in Launceston, said the impact of the disease was not restricted to abortions and deformed foetuses.

"Every now and again several cows seem to go down quickly, with decreased milk production, scouring, low productivity and poor fertility. There's no evidence of anything else wrong except Schmallenberg."

He urged caution, however, as it was possible that other problems were being incorrectly attributed to Schmallenberg virus.

His practice had recently tested 360 animals from 60 beef and dairy farms across Devon and Cornwall - and only 15 tested negative for the disease.


Mr Bebbington has also received many reports of Schmallenberg in early lambing flocks, but the true picture could be far worse as the disease was still non-notifiable, he added.

Symptoms were also varied, including ewes carrying vast amounts of fluid with dead lambs. "It's looking much worse than last year, but many farmers aren't reporting it because there's nothing they can do about it - it's not a notifiable disease."

The number of beef and dairy cows scanning barren had doubled since last year, to 18%, said Mr Bebbington, who admitted feeling "very nervous about the spring calving herds".

A vaccine to protect animals against Schmallenberg virus could not come soon enough, he added.

David Horton milks 180 dairy cows at Dunsburgh Farm near Plymouth, and last year lost 15 heifers through unexplained illness.

"They just got weaker and weaker. There wasn't a test for Schmallenberg then, but the heifers that survived tested positive this year and haven't done at all well. Their calves appear brain dead and so far six have died.

"Nigel Gibbens, the chief veterinary officer, is still talking about this as a low impact disease but I disagree - it's a catastrophe waiting to happen."

At a meeting in Devon last week, DEFRA secretary Owen Paterson admitted he hadn't heard about the effects on adult cattle.

But Peter Clarke, co-ordinator for the Farm Crisis Network in Cornwall, said some farmers' milk yields had dropped by 50%, while other beef farmers had lost more than half their calves.

"This is having a devastating effect on sheep, beef and dairy farms. We have a perfect storm in the South West, with poor weather, poor crops, TB and now Schmallenberg. I don't know how much more farmers can take - it's very worrying."

Farmers Weekly

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

UK: Lamb losses ‘can be cut’


Tuesday, January 29, 2013


MANY sheep producers could cut neonatal lamb losses significantly with well-organised lambing routines and better colostrum management, according to a husbandry specialist.

Nia Williams, technical manager with lamb nutrition and sheep husbandry specialist Nettex says with falling lamb prices and potential Schmallenberg virus implications piling even more pressure on beleaguered flockmasters, attention to detail in these crucial areas will be more important than ever this lambing season.

Newborn lambs have limited energy reserves and need rapid access to quality colostrum to survive and thrive, she explained.

“Producers face a battle over the next few weeks and can ill afford to lose any healthy born lambs to the usual causes of lamb deaths in the UK,” she said.

According to research, nearly half of all lamb losses occur during the first 48 hours of life, but many of these could be avoided Nettex maintains.

Read more: EADT24

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

Germany: current information on Schmallenberg virus

last updated February 5, 2013

As of 21 May case numbers and map will be updated weekly.

In Germany animals from 2129 holdings have been tested positive for Schmallenberg virus (SBV) so far.

The cases occurred in 1135 cattle holdings, 945 sheep holdings and 49 goat holdings.

Affected federal states are North Rhine-Westphalia (275 cattle, 272 sheep, 13 goat holdings), Lower Saxony (227 cattle, 144 sheep, 6 goat holdings), Hesse (124 cattle, 140 sheep holdings, 9 goat holdings), Schleswig-Holstein (112 cattle, 110 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Rhineland-Palatinate (1 Bison holding, 50 cattle, 39 sheep, 5 goat holdings), Baden-Wuerttemberg (47 cattle, 37 sheep, 7 goat holdings), Brandenburg (24 cattle, 22 sheep holdings), Thuringia (30 cattle, 51 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Saxony-Anhalt (19 cattle, 23 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Hamburg (3 cattle, 6 sheep holdings), Bavaria (197 cattle, 41 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saxony (11 cattle holdings, 43 sheep holdings), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (14 cattle, 12 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saarland (1 cattle holding, 4 sheep holdings, 2 goat holdings) and Berlin (1 sheep holding).

FLI

Map: Distribution of Schmallenberg virus since January 1, 2013, in Germany, updated February 5, 2013

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

feb 8 2013

Schmallenberg virus cases increase in Welsh lambs

A virus that leads to birth defects in lambs is being increasingly detected in Wales, say farmers and vets.

The Schmallenberg virus is carried by insects and was first detected in Germany 18 months ago.

But some farmers in lowland areas of south Wales say it is now clear the disease has reached Wales.

UK government officials believe there are now more than 1,200 cases of the infection in Wales and England, but they say it poses no human threat.

However, it is a growing concern for Welsh sheep farmers who are becoming increasingly worried about the disease's impact on flocks.


Colin Evans, who farms at Pant y Goitre farm in the Usk Valley in Monmouthshire, said between 20 and 25 lambs born to his 800 ewes appeared to have been affected by Schmallenberg - up to 5% of the flock.

"There are very few [farmers] that I speak to who haven't had a case, so we understand it now and are quite concerned by it because unless we find a control for this through a vaccine, we are concerned that our 3% to 5% loss might become 20% by next year," Mr Evans said.

BBC News

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

machinetranslation

feb 9 2013

Schmallenberg virus in Swedish calves

MALMO Two calves, one in Skåne and Uppland, are carriers of schmallenbergvirus. It is the first time the virus was found in calves in Sweden, reports the agricultural magazine ATL online.

Schmallenbergvirus (SBV) is spread by midges and has for the past year been widely adopted across the country. It infects cloven-hoofed animals, including sheep and goats, and can induce females to throw their fetuses or birth defects in their offspring.

Kuriren

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

Germany: current Information on Schmallenberg virus

last updated February 12, 2013

As of 21 May case numbers and map will be updated weekly.

In Germany animals from 2146 holdings have been tested positive for Schmallenberg virus (SBV) so far.

The cases occurred in 1147 cattle holdings, 950 sheep holdings and 49 goat holdings.

Affected federal states are North Rhine-Westphalia (275 cattle, 272 sheep, 13 goat holdings), Lower Saxony (229 cattle, 144 sheep, 6 goat holdings), Hesse (124 cattle, 141 sheep holdings, 9 goat holdings), Schleswig-Holstein (112 cattle, 110 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Rhineland-Palatinate (1 Bison holding, 50 cattle, 39 sheep, 5 goat holdings), Baden-Wuerttemberg (50 cattle, 37 sheep, 7 goat holdings), Brandenburg (24 cattle, 22 sheep holdings), Thuringia (31 cattle, 52 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Saxony-Anhalt (19 cattle, 23 sheep, 2 goat holdings), Hamburg (3 cattle, 6 sheep holdings), Bavaria (202 cattle, 42 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saxony (11 cattle holdings, 44 sheep holdings), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (15 cattle, 13 sheep holdings, 1 goat holding), Saarland (1 cattle holding, 4 sheep holdings, 2 goat holdings) and Berlin (1 sheep holding).
So far infections with Schmallenberg Virus have been detected in Germany,the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Denmark , Estonia, Switzerland, Ireland, Northern Ireland , Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Austria and Switzerland. According to unconfirmed reports there could be infection in further european countries.

FLI

Map: Distribution of 'Schmallenberg virus' since January 1, 2013, in Germany, updated February 12, 2013

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

Comment: no details available at the moment. However it seems to me cattle with antibodies could have protection against a possible SBV infection?

430 cows infected with Schmallenberg virus culled in Northern Kazakhstan

BULLETIN RELEASED: 18/02/13 8:54AM GMT

INTERFAX-KAZAKHSTAN – Schmallenberg virus, a new emerging livestock disease, has been detected in imported livestock from Austria in the North-Kazakhstan region, said the Ministry of …

Veterinary services continue culling efforts in Akkain district (North Kazakhstan region) to stop the Schmallenberg virus. “Yesterday, the national animal decease contro…

INTERFAX

The report is behind a paywall. More to follow later.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

Large outbreak of Schmallenberg disease is predicted in Estonia

According to the current evidences collected by the Information and Analytical Center of the Administration of the Veterinary Surveillance lambs with congenital defects characteristic of the Schmallenberg disease were reported in Estonia.

The virus is known to have widely spread in the territory of the European Union as the latter did not take any efforts to control and eradicate the disease. More over, since May 2012 the virus has officially been announced endemic in Europe with the countries where the virus was reported for the first time being not obliged to report its outbreaks. Consequently, such information is no longer open to public.

The Rosselkhoznadzor believes that some European Union countries might have not reported outbreaks of the disease, in particular, Czech Republic and Hungary. Breeding animal consignments infected with Schmallenberg virus supplied from Austria to Russia and Kazakhstan were detected within the epidemic situation monitoring testifying to the increase of the risk of the virus introduction to the CU territory due to the inaction of the European authorities.

The Rosselkhoznadzor considers necessary to request information from the Veterinary Services of some European countries including Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland concerning the cases of Schmallenberg virus detection in these countries, measures taken in case of detection of seropositive and PCR-positive animals, as well as animal movement control in the countries and regions were Schmallenberg disease was registered.

Jan 25, 2013

http://www.fsvps.ru/fsvps/news/5924.html?_language=en

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

Comment: no details available at the moment. However it seems to me cattle with antibodies could have protection against a possible SBV infection?

430 cows infected with Schmallenberg virus culled in Northern Kazakhstan

BULLETIN RELEASED: 18/02/13 8:54AM GMT

INTERFAX-KAZAKHSTAN – Schmallenberg virus, a new emerging livestock disease, has been detected in imported livestock from Austria in the North-Kazakhstan region, said the Ministry of …

Veterinary services continue culling efforts in Akkain district (North Kazakhstan region) to stop the Schmallenberg virus. “Yesterday, the national animal decease contro…

INTERFAX

The report is behind a paywall. More to follow later.

To begin destroying Austrian cows

Published on 18/02/2013

Recall that the decision was made by the government of Kazakhstan. Animals found dangerous virus Schmallenberg. At the moment, already emptied the farm sector "Leon."

On the eve of visit there ambulance brigade. Lethal injection introduced around livestock, along with offspring. Now epidotryad continues in LLP "Poltava". Animal carcasses parties are taken to a specially trained animal burial and burning.

Nygmat ZHAKUPBAEV, chairman of the veterinary control and supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture:

- For killing the animal, the drug that works instantly. You can not say that today everything is destroyed and all is well, because the virus has the ability to spread.

Link to news report

Link leads to video, showing the culling of cattle

Snip from another report stating the culling has started today (february 18, 2013), the Kazakhstan government will reimburse the farmers and pay for the culling.

machinetranslation

Recall that in northern Kazakhstan in two farm "Leon" and "Poltava", work is continuing to destroy the patient Austrian cattle. In TOO "Leon" all livestock is culled and burned and this 290 adult cows Simmental and 115 calves. In Company "Poltava" work epidotryada only started today, February 18. There euthanized 200 calves and 50 cows.

http://news.mail.ru/inworld/kazakhstan/economics/12033264/

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

United Kingdom

Lambing season left blighted as deadly Schmallenberg virus

Farmers fear livestock crisis after thousands of animals killed by Schmallenberg disease

CHARLIE COOPER MONDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2013

Tens of thousands of lambs have been stillborn or deformed throughout Britain as a result of the deadly Schmallenberg virus, with the industry bracing itself for what could be a blighted lambing season.

In infected flocks the rate of lamb loss has been between 25 and 30 per cent on average, according to the National Farmers Union livestock chief, who has lost 40 per cent of the lambs from his early breeding flock to the emerging virus. Schmallenberg has been reported on more than 1,200 farms across the country, but there are fears the disease is being under-reported and that the Government is not taking the threat seriously enough.

More: The Independent

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

Source: http://www.smallholder.co.uk/news/10239851.Schmallenberg_virus_now_spread_to_wild_mammals_in_UK/

Schmallenberg virus now spread to wild mammals in UK
12:33pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News

.... Dr Garigliany said wild animals such as roe and red deer can potentially act as a reservoir of infection.

"We should implement specific surveillance of wild animals for SBV," he told BBC News...

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

SBV in wild animals is not new; it was confirmed in Germany in deer, roedeer and a bison last year. Akabane virus has also been found in horses, donkeys, buffalo, deer and camels. It is not expected the health of deer or horses or other animals (pigs?) will be affected by a SBV infection.

20 February 2013

Farm virus 'can infect wild animals'

By Helen Briggs

BBC News

A livestock virus sweeping through British sheep flocks and cattle herds has infected wild deer, say scientists.

The disease, which is spread by insects, causes birth defects in lambs and can reduce milk yields in cattle.

Outbreaks have been reported in farm animals in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Spain and the UK.

European scientists say wild deer can catch the virus, and are calling for the impact on wildlife to be monitored.

Dr Garigliany said wild animals such as roe and red deer can potentially act as a reservoir of infection.

"We should implement specific surveillance of wild animals for SBV," he told BBC News.

He said wild boar as well as wild deer show signs of SBV infection, although it is not thought to make them sick.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

machinetranslation

20 February 2013

Kazakhstan has threatened to sue Austria for supplying infected cows

Kazakh authorities intend to sue the veterinary authorities of Austria, through whose fault the country got the animals infected with the virus Schmallenberg. On this, as the Tengrinews.kz, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic Asylzhan Mamytbekov.

"If the Austrian party voluntarily repay the damage, we will sue them. As in any business disputes where damages awarded, it is not only the principal amount of the damage and loss of revenue and the costs incurred in the course content, it all may be the subject of the claim, "- said the official, adding that the complaint will be lodged in one of Kazakhstan courts.

Elite breeds of cows were imported from Austria in the economy "Leon" and "Poltava" in the north of Kazakhstan in September last year. All were delivered to the country more than 700 head of cattle. How to write "Express K" on their purchase through the "KAF" was allocated 1.7 million euros (farm animals have a long-term lease).

With the passage of mandatory in such cases, quarantine, local veterinarians have found that at least 80 head of cattle sick. Analyzes identified the foreign cows virus diarrhea, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus and Schmallenberg. This diagnosis, according to the 24.kz, later confirmed by experts from Russia and the UK.

The Government of Kazakhstan decided to destroy all cattle imported from Austria with youngsters born in the territory of the republic. In mid-February 2013 the animals were killed and their carcasses burned.

Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic asked for clarification of the Austrian veterinarians and suppliers ( confirmed that supplies of cattle involved in a certain firm in Hungary.) However, the said it sold Kazakhstan animals were healthy.

Schmallenberg virus was first identified in the autumn of 2011 in the German city of the same name. Disease caused by a virus, characterized by diarrhea, fever, can kill adult and young animals. He was exposed to sheep, goats and cattle. Development of a vaccine to combat the new disease, according to experts, can take up to two years. Effect of Schmallenberg virus on human health have not been studied.

Lenta

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21541997


22 February 2013 Last updated at 03:28 ET
Viewpoint: Farm virus spreads to deer
By Professor Jonathan Ball Virologist, University of Nottingham
Red deer Evidence of SBV infection of wild deer could be the tip of the iceberg

Evidence of extensive Schmallenberg virus (SBV) infection of wild deer populations has far-reaching significance - not least for the future control of this devastating pathogen.

SBV emerged in northern Europe in the summer of 2011.

It was first observed in cattle, where its arrival was heralded by a series of relatively innocuous symptoms that included reduced milk production and diarrhoea...

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

SVB found in more than 1500 farms all over the UK.

27 february 2013

UK - Schmallenberg virus – updated testing results

(Figures correct at time of publication)

This table includes additional serology results provided by laboratories at Liverpool University and Scotland’s Rural College. Results from Scotland have not been listed by county as they all relate to animals introduced into Scotland from English counties where Schmallenberg virus has been reported.

For the first time Schmallenberg virus antibodies have been detected in blood samples from goats and alpacas.

AHVLA

As at 30 January (2012!, GvdH) the virus has been detected at 50 sheep farms in France and as at 25 January there have been confirmed cases at 32 sheep farms, 1 cattle farm and 1 goat farm in the United Kingdom.

Dutch Government

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21609335


28 February 2013 Last updated at 20:57 ET
Livestock virus found on 1,500 farms
By Helen Briggs BBC News

A virus that causes stillbirths and birth defects in lambs and calves has spread to more than 1,500 UK farms, new government figures show.

Cases of Schmallenberg have now been reported in all the counties of England and Wales, and in Northern Ireland.

Scottish farmers are on alert for the disease, which is carried by midges...

...The latest figures from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency show the virus has been detected on 1,531 farms, in cattle, sheep, alpacas and goats...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Schmallenberg Virus - News and updates - 2013

Source: http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/he...nd-case-of-schmallenberg-discovered-1-4918414


Farming fears after second case of Schmallenberg discovered
By MICHAEL MCGLADE
Published on 20/03/2013 16:55

A SECOND case of the devastating livestock disease -Schmallenberg - has been confirmed at a farm in Co Down, according to the Ulster Farmers Union.

The disease that can cause foetal abnormalities and stillbirth in sheep and cattle has already wrecked havoc in many other parts of Britain and in the Republic.

UFU President Harry Sinclair urged farmers to remain cautious.

?We are disappointed that the Schmallenberg virus has made its way to Northern Ireland,? said Mr Sinclair...