NI clarifies bTB position following resumption of live exports

The Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has clarified the rules relating to farms affected with bovine tuberculosis following the resumption of live exports, including cattle, meat and meat products from 3 May, 2006.

DARD’s guidance is that herds which have a current inconclusive TB test result, will not be permitted to export live cattle for intra-Community trade to other member states, including the Republic of Ireland, until the inconclusive animal is resolved.

Herds that currently have an inconclusive animal and which have not had TB confirmed during the last three years will only be permitted to trade within Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Herds that currently have an inconclusive TB test result and which have had a confirmed TB breakdown during the last three years or ending within the last three years will be restricted until the inconclusive animal is resolved.

Individual animals that were moved out after the detection of the inconclusive animal, but before the herd was restricted, will be permitted to trade within NI and into GB but cannot go for intra-community trade until the original inconclusive animal is resolved.

DARD has also conformed that calves less than six weeks old which have been bought in to the herd must be presented for testing at all TB herd tests. 

Livestock keepers seeking more information should visit the DARD website by following the link http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index.htm or contacting the Divisional Veterinary Offices.