The Northern Ireland Government will cover the cost of pre-movement testing by Bluetongue, relieving financial pressure on farmers removing animals from temporary management areas.
The Department of Agriculture and Agriculture (DAERA) has confirmed that this support will apply to certain animals weaned from Bluetongue Virus (BTV) TCZ.
The move follows a decision in December to allow animals to leave the area, with strict controls still in place for some categories.
These animals can only be moved under specific permits and must meet additional safety measures. These include proof of a negative pregnancy test, negative pre-travel test, or proof of previous Bluetongue vaccination.
Bluetongue is a viral disease spread by biting midges and primarily affects cattle and sheep. Some animals experience mild or no symptoms, while others suffer from fever, lameness, swelling, and reduced productivity.
For farmers, the impact extends beyond animal health. Movement restrictions associated with management areas can disrupt breeding programs, delay sales, and increase costs, especially when inspections and licenses are required.
There are also concerns about trade and market confidence, with farmers in affected areas facing uncertainty over how long restrictions will last and what additional measures will be introduced.
Private veterinarians will continue to perform the necessary sampling. Farmers will pay veterinarians to collect and submit blood samples, but DAERA will cover the cost of laboratory tests for a limited time.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said the measures were aimed at allowing animals to move across Northern Ireland while protecting their health.
“Measures announced last month have allowed the movement of animals outside the TCZ, with a controlled approach being taken for high-risk animals to protect Northern Ireland herds/herds within free zones that protect the health and welfare of the animals,” he said.
He said the approach “also provides a point of contact for livestock keepers to consult their personal veterinarians about vaccinations”.
Mr Muir said the decision to fund testing costs reflected the financial strain faced by farmers affected by the restrictions.
“Given the continuing economic impact on farmers in the area, I have issued a ministerial direction asking authorities to put arrangements in place to cover the costs of pre-movement testing of high-risk animals being moved outside the area,” he said.
He emphasized that the funding is temporary, describing it as a “special situation given the current situation” and “short-term in nature, providing targeted sector-specific support.”
Farmers who require pre-move testing should contact their personal veterinarian and collect a blood sample to submit to the Agriculture and Food Biosciences Laboratory. Test results are shared directly with farmers.
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said additional control measures are expected to continue during the current period of low vector incidence.
“Additional requirements for high-risk animals removed from the TCZ are expected to be implemented during the vector low period, and until then will cover the cost of clinical testing of the animals prior to removal,” he said.
He cautioned that the risk profile is likely to change over the course of the year. “We are likely to be nearing the end of the vector cyclone in the spring, increasing the risk of BTV extending beyond the current TCZ,” he said.
Mr Dooher confirmed that laboratory testing costs will be covered until that time or until the temporary restriction area is lifted, whichever comes first.
