The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has advised that there is a further relaxation in the trade conditions for live animals to be exported to Britain. This follows the lifting of the Foot and Mouth Disease restricted zone on Monday 19 November 2007. Based on DARD's latest veterinary risk assessment, livestock movements may now take place to all areas in Britain, without the need for additional exporter bio-security declaration. The situation will be reviewed immediately if any new outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease occur. A ban does however remain in place on the import of animals from Britain.
These permitted livestock moves are therefore on a strictly one-way basis, and no animals will be permitted to return to Northern Ireland. Any animals brought back here will be detained at the port and re-exported. In addition, all exporters must present a self-certified Declaration of Disinfection on return to Larne Port. Anyone travelling, and particularly farmers, food processors or their families, should remain vigilant against the importation of Foot and Mouth Disease or Bluetongue, through the movement of transport vehicles, equipment or people.
Farmers and the rural community should continue to check their stock daily and maintain strong bio-security. Any suspicion of disease must be immediately reported to your private vet or local Divisional Veterinary Office. Farmers must also adhere to strict tracing, tagging and bio-security arrangements. Further advice is still available at www.dardni.gov.uk.
