THE ICSA has welcomed news that North-South trade of cattle and sheep is being restored following restrictions as a result of Bluetongue.
Its Animal Health and Welfare chair John Barron said the Department of Agriculture’s announcement last Friday March 6th is a sensible and welcome step.
‘Since the first case of Bluetongue was confirmed in Ireland earlier this year, restrictions on movements have caused real disruption. The derogation allowing animals to move freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland for production and breeding, provides much-needed clarity and reassurance for farmers across the island,’ he said.
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He added: ‘Protecting animal health remains the top priority, but trade can now resume safely thanks to today’s derogation and the measures agreed with the Department and Northern Ireland authorities.
‘Farmers should keep a close eye on their animals, report anything suspicious straight away, and check vaccination status with their private veterinary practitioners, especially as the weather warms and midge activity increases. It is vital that all farmers remain ultra-vigilant.’
Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon and his Northern Ireland counterpart Andrew Muir MLA lifted the cross-border ban which had been in place for all cattle and sheep movements save those certified as going direct to slaughter.
In order to restore trade flows a derogation from certain certification requirements is being put in place which will allow cattle and sheep to move with no restrictions from other member states where BTV3 is the only serotype present, as is the case in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Minister Heydon said: ‘Since the first case of Bluetongue was identified in Ireland, there has been significant interruption to this cross-border trade.
‘Protecting animal health remains our top priority. At the same time, it is essential that we minimise unnecessary disruption to farmers and the agri-food sector. This derogation, agreed following consultation with farmers’ organisations, provides a balanced solution that will allow trade to resume.’
