“There are encouraging signals that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) may apply for an EU derogation on movements next week and in consultation with authorities in Northern Ireland, "it is hoped to have livestock moving within two to three weeks," livestock and environment executive of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) Ray Doyle has said.

Following a meeting with DAFM today, Thursday, February 26, ICOS has urged the authorities in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the EU to "further intensify engagement and co-operation to restore normal cattle movements across the border".

The current bluetongue restrictions means that movements of cattle and sheep from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland or Britain are not allowed, other than directly to slaughter.

This has had an impact on farmers in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in particular for the trade of pedigree bulls and breeding heifers.

The potential for a derogation on Bluetongue virus (BTV) requirements can apply to all EU Member States, according to ICOS.

Current proposals

At the ICOS meeting with DAFM today, the department presented a number of options.

ICOS has said it believes "the most favourable of these would be to allow movements without additional Bluetongue requirements if BTV-3 is the only variant circulating".

However, within this option, DAFM has advised that extra rules would apply, when moving animals, if there are other bluetongue types circulating as well (for example BTV-1, 4, 5, 8 or 12, in addition to or instead of BTV-3).

In those cases (above), animals would have to meet at least one of the approved options set out in regulation.

One of those options is that the animal must either be vaccinated against, or have antibodies to, every bluetongue type that is circulating in that country, and it must also have a negative PCR blood test to show it is not currently infected.

“A co-ordinated, science-based and proportionate approach is essential," Doyle said.

Seek veterinary advice on Bluetongue vaccine

Doyle repeated recommendations for farmers, made earlier this week by ICOS president Edward Carr, on seeking veterinary advice.

“With Bluetongue now appearing in more parts of the country than first anticipated, farmers can’t afford to take a wait-and-see approach."

Early advice and proactive planning could make all the difference in limiting the impact of this disease.”

“If there is a derogation and a solution as outlined, then vaccination is likely to form a key part of that solution.”

“The cross-border livestock trade is deeply integrated, and prolonged disruption will benefit absolutely nobody.

Doyle continued: "We believe swift progress is achievable. Most third-country export certificates have been resolved or are close to resolution, and we are hopeful the Northern Ireland position can also be addressed despite its added certification complexities.

"While BTV-3 vaccines cannot yet underpin certification for breeding or further feeding movements, the slaughter trade can continue provided herds are free from bluetongue in the previous 30 days.”