Daera to fund bluetongue pre-movement testing costs

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) has confirmed limited financial support for bluetongue pre-movement testing, easing livestock movements from Northern Ireland’s Temporary Control Zone (TCZ).

Daera says it will cover laboratory testing costs for certain high-risk animals moving out of the TCZ.

The decision was confirmed by agriculture minister Andrew Muir following movement controls introduced on 18 December 2025.

See also: Bluetongue movement rules relaxed in Northern Ireland

Under those controls, livestock are permitted to move out of the TCZ, but animals classed as high risk can only do so under specific licence conditions.

These include additional safeguards such as proof of a negative pregnancy test, a negative pre-movement bluetongue test, or evidence of prior vaccination.

While farmers will continue to pay veterinary call-out and sampling fees, Daera has said it will meet the laboratory testing costs, for a limited period.

Mr Muir said he was conscious of the ongoing financial impact on farmers in the area.

“I have therefore issued a ministerial direction requiring my officials to put in place arrangements to meet the laboratory costs for any pre-movement testing of high-risk animals moving out of the zone,” he added.

Chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher said: “It is anticipated that the additional requirements for high-risk animals moving out of the TCZ will be in place during the vector low period, with the costs for laboratory testing of pre-movement animals covered until then.”

He added that future decisions would be made as the risk of disease spread increases in spring.

UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy said: “Removing this cost helps ease the strain on those farmers who have been unfairly caught up in the TCZ.”