The animal disease, which causes abortion in cattle and can cause Malta fever in humans, has been reduced to low levels, allowing Northern Ireland to maintain the Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) status of its herds within the European Union.

However, farmers in south Armagh have warned Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew that they feel DARD is too slow to remove risk animals and it is understood the Department is considering a pilot scheme that will involve swift slaughtering.

Brucellosis can lead to an abortion storm among infected female cattle and if established in a herd can lead to decreased milk yields, infertility, weak calves and serious financial loss.

DARD has warned that the disease is particularly dangerous to humans coming into contact with infected animals.

The human version of the disease leads to severe flu-like symptoms which can persist for years.

Sinn Féin councillor for Slieve Gullion, Terry Hearty, said: "This initiative would be on a 'pilot' basis and would involve speedier slaughtering-out of herds to remove infection. This type of scheme has been successful in the Republic," he said.

" While the annual herd incidence of brucellosis in Northern Ireland has been reducing since 2002, the disease has remained in more than half a per cent of herds for the past two years.

"I share the hope of all that monies can be made available to enable the Minister to launch the scheme as soon as possible."

A DARD spokesperson said: "We are considering what additional measures might be taken in areas where brucellosis incidence is highest."