Trade conditions for the movement of cattle and sheep to shows throughout the island of Ireland

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has formalised trade conditions for the movement of sheep to shows in the island of Ireland.

A protocol for the movement of sheep from Northern Ireland to shows in the Republic of Ireland and vice versa has been agreed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Agriculture and Food, Dublin. This mirrors the protocol already agreed for cattle.

The department has written to all interested parties to inform them of arrangements directly.

The protocol is as follows:

The movement of cattle and sheep for the purpose of a show in either jurisdiction is only permitted if the following conditions are adhered to:

• The premises on which the show is to be held must be operating as an EU Approved Assembly Centre on the day of the show. A fundamental requirement for such premises is that they have surfaces capable of being cleansed and disinfected and adequate segregation facilities are available.
• The animals must not remain on the show premises for more than six days.
• The animals to be imported to the show must be accompanied by an original official Intra community Export Health Certificate for breeding animals.
• On return from the show the original Export Health Certificate must be endorsed with the signature and official stamp of an Official Veterinarian present at the show.
• Animals imported to the show must remain segregated from local animals present and this must be confirmed by the completion of a non-cominglement certificate signed and stamped by the Official Veterinarian. Animals which come into direct contact with local animals will have to remain for 30 days to facilitate the retesting of animals and the completion of a new Intra community Health certificate.

Intra community Health Certificates and Assembly Centre Guidance is available from local Divisional Veterinary Offices.

Notes to Editors:

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