Ministers ease bluetongue restrictions on cross-border trade

Cross-border livestock trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland can resume from Friday 6 March after ministers authorised reciprocal derogations allowing cross-border movements of bluetongue-susceptible animals.

The decision was confirmed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) following engagement with farming organisations and industry representatives.

The derogations also allow the lifting of the temporary control zone in County Down, enabling animals to move freely within Northern Ireland.

See also: UFU seeks clarity on bluetongue movement rules in NI

Northern Ireland agriculture minister Andrew Muir said: “Having listened to the concerns of industry, including the impact that restrictions have had on trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, my department will be availing of a derogation under EU legislation which will ensure that live animal moves for breeding and production can resume from BTV affected EU member states to NI.”

He added: “As my officials have discussed with industry, the granting of a derogation, which will also result in the lifting of the current temporary control zone, comes with an increased disease risk.

“Therefore, I appeal to all farmers to source responsibly, discuss BTV-3 vaccination of stock with their private veterinary practitioner, and continue to report to Daera any suspicion of BTV in your herd.”

The derogation permits movement of susceptible animals from EU member states affected only by the BTV-3 strain of bluetongue.

Additional conditions apply to imports from countries where other strains are circulating.

Restrictions on movements of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland remain in place following confirmed BTV-3 cases in England and Wales.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union cautiously welcomed the decision, confirming that cross-border livestock trade had been significantly disrupted by recent restrictions.

In the Republic, Irish Farmers’ Association president Francie Gorman said the Northern Ireland market was “a vital outlet for farmers, in particular in the northern half of the country,” adding that the announcement was timely during the peak sales season.

IFA animal health chair David Hall said farmers should continue monitoring livestock and report suspicious symptoms to veterinary practitioners while the disease remains under surveillance.