FMD Restrictions Relaxed In Northern Ireland

The ban on animal movement restrictions between Northern Ireland and Scotland has been relaxed today.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) confirmed that following a veterinary risk assessment; the one-way movement of breeding and production animals from Northern Ireland may take place to single holdings in Scotland.

However, a DARD Export Health Certificate must accompany all consignments, which are available from local Divisional Veterinary Offices (DVOs).

They must also be accompanied by a General Import Licence and an Internal Movement Licence issued by the Scottish Government.

After animals have been off-loaded at the holding and before the vehicle leaves the premises, the vehicle must be treated so that all surfaces including the loading ramp which livestock have had contact have been cleansed and disinfected.

In addition, driver footwells, access steps to the vehicle, pedals and mats must be cleansed and disinfected before any return journey is undertaken.

On all returning vehicles, physical and documentary checks will be made and any found to be unclean in the opinion of a DARD Portal Inspector will be re-exported to Scotland, even if a declaration of disinfection has been made.

Likewise, if a declaration of disinfection has not been appropriately made in the haulier records, the vehicle will be sent back to Scotland.

The Department continues to urge farmers and the rural community to remain vigilant, check their stock at least daily, and maintain strong bio-security.

Any suspicion of disease must be reported immediately to a vet or local DVO.

The ban on the import of animals from Great Britain to Northern Ireland still remains in force.

(LC/SP)