Livestock need travel documents too

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has reminded the farming community about the paperwork required for importing livestock into Northern Ireland.

All imports must be accompanied by a valid health certificate signed by an authorised veterinary surgeon following an examination of the animals. Importers should check with the exporter that a valid health certificate has been completed before importation. Certificates confirming tests carried out prior to import are not sufficient.

Cattle must also be accompanied by their passports, and all imports from Great Britain should be accompanied by a specific import licence.

It is vital that all paperwork accompanying imported animals is presented to the local DARD office within seven days following import (this is not required for animals entering Northern Ireland via the Port of Larne).

Health certificates are also required for animals being exported from Northern Ireland.

All queries should be directed to your local DARD office. Licence applications should be referred to Veterinary Service (Trade Section), Room 732, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3SB, Telephone: 028 9052 4664.

Notes to Editors:

All media enquiries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.