Foot and Mouth disease update - movement ban lifted on breeding and production animals to Scotland

DARD wishes to confirm that the ban on the movement of breeding and production animals going to single holdings in Scotland from Northern Ireland has been relaxed under certain conditions.

The ban was introduced as a result of the Foot and Mouth disease outbreak in Great Britain. Based on DARD’s veterinary risk assessment, the one-way movement of breeding and production animals from NI may take place to single holdings in Scotland, provided the consignment is accompanied by a DARD Export Health Certificate. This certificate is available from local Divisional Veterinary Offices (DVOs).

The move has been agreed between DARD and the Scotish Government and applies to exports of breeding and production animals moving directly to a single holding in Scotland. All consignments must also be accompanied by a General Import Licence and an Internal Movement Licence issued by the Scottish Government.

After animals have been off-loaded at the holding and before the vehicle leaves the premises, the vehicle must be treated so that all surfaces including the loading ramp which livestock have had contact have been cleansed and disinfected. In addition, driver footwells, access steps to the vehicle, pedals and mats must be cleansed and disinfected before any return journey is undertaken.

Physical and documentary checks will be made on all returning vehicles:

• Any vehicle found to be unclean in the opinion of a DARD Portal Inspector shall be re-exported to Scotland, even if a declaration of disinfection has been made.
• If a declaration of disinfection has not been appropriately made in the haulier records, the vehicle may be re-exported to Scotland.
• The Department retains the right to apply additional disease control measures to vehicles.

A ban remains on the import of animals from Great Britain.

We also wish to remind exporters that as is normal practice three days advance notification must be given to local Divisional Veterinary Offices for the export of animals to Scotland to enable processing of documentation.

Hauliers should note that records must be maintained in accordance with Article 10 of Commission Decision 2007/554/EC (As amended). Hauliers are reminded that if a declaration of disinfection has not been appropriately made in the haulier records, the vehicle shall be re-exported to Scotland.

DARD wishes to remind farmers and the rural community that they must remain vigilant, check their stock at least daily, and maintain strong bio-security. Any suspicion of disease must be reported immediately to your private vet or local Divisional Veterinary Office.

The Department continues to liaise closely with Defra, other Devolved Administrations and with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Dublin to monitor the situation.

Northern Ireland remains a foot and mouth free zone. If you require foot and mouth advice or have any concerns you can telephone DARD’s helpline on 028 9052 4999 or access information online – http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/animal-health/animal-diseases/footandmouth.htm

Notes to Editors:

All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.