Bluetongue restrictions in Northern Ireland will be relaxed from Friday

There will be a further relaxation of bluetongue restrictions in Northern Ireland from Friday, the Department of Agriculture has said.

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said his officials were “urgently” examining the possibility of providing financial support for farmers.

Suspected cases have been identified at four farms in Co Down in recent weeks, leading to a temporary control zone (TCZ) being put in place.

Last week, the department announced that Saintfield Market, which is located in the bluetongue TCZ, would be able to accept livestock from outside the TCZ from Tuesday but would not be able to accept animals from farms within the TCZ.

A further relaxation has been announced to say that from Friday animals will be free to move under general licence within and out of the TCZ, except for animals that have tested positive for bluetongue or are in high-risk categories.

The high-risk categories are: all female cattle aged 18 months and older and bulls aged 14 months and older; all breeding male sheep and goats; and pregnant female and breeding male deer, llamas and alpacas.

A specific licence, proof of a negative pregnancy test or proof of a bluetongue vaccination may be needed to move high-risk categories.

Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said: “When DAERA announced the lifting of restrictions on Saintfield Market last week, I indicated that with surveillance testing for bluetongue in the TCZ nearing completion, pending a further risk assessment, we hoped to announce the conditions and criteria for the movement of animals within the zone and also to holdings outside.

“With surveillance testing having now ended and noting we are now within the vector inactive period, I can confirm that we are able to relax the restrictions on movements inside and outside the zone.

“However, certain categories of cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas will require other measures to qualify for movement, and I would urge farmers to familiarise themselves with those details on the DAERA website.”

Further details on the requirements to move animals out of the TCZ can be found on the website of the Department of Agriculture.

Mr Muir said: “Ever since the first suspected case of BTV, my officials and I have been acutely aware of the difficulties for trade inside and outside the TCZ and the financial impact upon farmers.

“Securing the relaxation of restrictions outside the TCZ last week and now inside the zone has been a priority and these latest moves will go some way towards relieving the pressure on farmers.

“On those holdings where BTV has been detected, my officials and vets will continue to work with the impacted herd keepers and also with industry stakeholders on next steps.

“While this will be welcome news for farmers in the area, I acknowledge the additional costs for high-risk animals to meet the conditions for movement.

“I have therefore asked my officials to urgently explore if there is any potential financial support to assist farmers. Any further announcements on this will be made next week.”

Bluetongue was first confirmed in cattle at a farm near Bangor last month, and there have been other suspected cases in Greyabbey.

The animal disease, which is primarily transmitted through midges, affects livestock and does not affect humans or food safety.