I would urge all farmers to remain 120% vigilant

John Gilliland UFU deputy president

"This is not what we would have wanted," he said. "To say that we are stunned is an understatement.

"First of all our heartfelt sympathies go to Paddy Donnelly and his family on whose farm this occurred. They are a really respected family.

"Secondly we are puzzled as to where on earth this virus came from.

"We all need to be calm and rational in the face of this latest outbreak and I would urge all farmers to remain 120% vigilant to prevent the further spread of this disease."

Mr Gilliland said it was essential that the farming community did not panic following the latest outbreak.

'Devastating news'

Stormont education minister Martin McGuinness, the local MP, said the announcement had caused "great shock and bitter disappointment".

There is despondency, doom, a sense of loss, fear about the future

Patsy McGlone SDLP

He said: "It is especially disappointing coming as it does after the relief experienced after the initial test results yesterday."

The Mid Ulster MP said it was a serious blow to the rural community.

"We must spare no cost in redoubling efforts in combating this immediate threat to the farming community, agricultural industry and the entire economy."

'Confusion'

The chairman of the assembly's agriculture committee, Ian Paisley of the Democratic Unionist Party, said the assembly and his committee should be recalled.

"This is a very, very serious blow especially to the Donnelly family (who own the cattle) who are exemplary farmers," he added.

Assembly member Ian Paisley junior urged Mrs Rodgers to "get a grip of the situation".

"It is very disappointing for the industry. It is also disturbing that we do not seem to know if it is coming or going and the Department of Agriculture is giving the appearance of being at sixes and sevens.

"One day it appears we have had an overreaction, the next day premature celebration and tonight confusion."

The Department of Agriculture and the authorities must maintain ... a 'Fortress Ireland' approach to combating this disease

Francie Molloy Sinn Fein MLA

An SDLP councillor in the area, Patsy McGlone, said the farming community in Ardboe was going through a range of emotions.

"This could not have been worse for people in this area," he said.

"One minute there was despondency when it looked like the cattle had the disease, then yesterday there was elation as it appeared from the initial tests that they did not.

"After tonight's news people are totally decimated. There is despondency, doom, a sense of loss, fear about the future - all those emotions - because people are aware of the trauma that the Donnelly's are going through and of the wider implications for them."

'Fortress Ireland'

Sinn Fein MLA Francie Molloy said it was disturbing news and devastating not just for the farmers of Ardboe but the entire island of Ireland.

"Steps need to be taken urgently to pinpoint the origin of this outbreak and I would urge the industry to maximise its efforts to ensure containment of the outbreak.

"The Department of Agriculture and the authorities must maintain rigorously port controls and maintain a 'Fortress Ireland' approach to combating this disease."