Animals for slaughter may move direct to an approved slaughter plant in Great Britain, provided the consignment is accompanied by a DARD Export Health Certificate, which is available from local Divisional Veterinary Offices (DVOs). The move has been agreed between DARD, DEFRA and the other devolved GB Agriculture Departments and applies to exports of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs for immediate slaughter.
All consignments must also be accompanied by a General Import Licence and an Internal Movement Licence issued by the respective Agriculture Departments in GB.
After animals have been off loaded at the approved slaughter plant, 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 to Northern Ireland is undertaken. This must be entered in the haulier records in accordance with Article 10 of Commission Decision 2007/554/EC.
Physical and documentary checks will be made on all returning vehicles to Northern Ireland:
- Any vehicle found to be unclean in the opinion of a DARD Portal Inspector shall be re-exported to Great Britain.
- With immediate effect, if a declaration of disinfection has not been appropriately made in the haulier records, the vehicle shall be re-exported to Great Britain.
- The Department retains the right to apply additional disease control measures to vehicles.
The ban on the movement of breeding and production animals within Great Britain remains in place. Therefore these animals are not able to be exported to Great Britain at this time. This position will be kept under review.
DARD is also taking the opportunity to remind exporters of live animals to Member States (including the Republic of Ireland) that the recipient country must be given 3 days advance notice of the export by DARD officials. You are asked to take this into account when making arrangements with your local DVOs.
Similarly as is normal practice 3 days advance notification must be given to DVOs for the export of slaughter animals to Great Britain to enable processing of documentation.
DARD wishes to remind farmers and the rural community that they must remain vigilant and maintain strong bio-security. 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 02890524999 or access information online 
Notes to Editors:
1. The Transport of Animals and Poultry (Cleansing and Disinfection) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 (SR 2007 No.279) lays down the statutory requirements for the cleansing and disinfection of vehicles used in transporting animals.
2. Commission Decision (2007/554/EC) of 9 August 2007 lays down certain protection measures against Foot and Mouth Disease in the United Kingdom.
3. Further information is available on the DARD website Information on the internal movement controls for England, Scotland and Wales are on the following websites:
4. DARD is also writing to all hauliers reminding them of their responsibilities with regard to cleansing and disinfection of vehicles.
5. 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.
