The ban on livestock from Northern Ireland going to Great Britain for direct slaughter has been relaxed under certain conditions. Animals for slaughter can now move direct to an approved slaughter plant, providing the consignment is accompanied by a Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Export Health Certificate. These are available from local Divisional Veterinary Offices (DVOs). All consignments must also have a General Import Licence and an Internal Movement Licence issued by the respective Agriculture Departments in Great Britain.
After animals have been off-loaded at the approved slaughter plant, and before the vehicle leaves the premises, the vehicle must be treated so that all surfaces including the loading ramp have been cleansed and disinfected. In addition, driver footwells, access steps to the vehicle, pedals and mats must also be treated before any return journey to Northern Ireland is carried out. Details of this must be entered into the haulier records and any vehicle considered by DARD to be unclean must be re-exported to Great Britain.
The ban on the movement of breeding and production animals within Great Britain remains in place, therefore such animals will not be able to be exported from Northern Ireland. This position will be kept under review. Farmers requiring foot and mouth advice can contact the DARD helpline on 028 9052 4999.
