Resumption of cross border livestock movements welcomed
Farm organisations today (Thursday, March 5) welcomed the resumption of north–south livestock movements after bluetongue restrictions were lifted.
There had been ongoing engagement between veterinary authorities in Ireland and Northern Ireland and with the EU Commission in relation to restrictions that had been put in place because of bluetongue outbreaks.
The movement of cattle and sheep, for production and breeding, between Ireland and Northern Ireland will begin again from 9.00am tomorrow.
According to Denis Drennan, president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) trade to the north for breeding bulls, cattle for further feeding, cattle for slaughter and calves, is an "integral part of our live export trade".
Drennan said it accounted for close to 50,000 cattle in 2025.
"The economic importance of this market is hugely significant for all farmers, and it cannot be underestimated in terms of its function in maintaining competitiveness in the marketplace for Irish cattle.
"At a time where pressure is being applied to the beef trade, it is important to see the Northern Ireland option re-opened for beef cattle from southern farmers," Drennan added.
However the ICMSA has urged farmers to be vigilant and be on the lookout for signs or symptoms of the bluetongue virus.
Livestock movements
Meanwhile the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) has also described the lifting of restrictions on north south livestock movements as "a sensible and welcome step".
ICSA's Animal Health and Welfare chair, John Barron, said protecting animal health "remains the top priority".
But Barron said the fact trade can resume safely will deliver much needed "reassurance for farmers across the island".
"Farmers should keep a close eye on their animals, report anything suspicious straight away, and check vaccination status with their private veterinary practitioners, especially as the weather warms and midge activity increases," he added.
Marts
According to the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) the easing of restrictions will also enable the return of live exporters to mart rings.
The president of the IFA, Francie Gorman, believes this will "give a renewed impetuous to the trade for all categories of animals".
Gorman also said that the Northern Ireland trade "is a vital outlet for farmers, in particular in the northern half of the country".
"This announcement is timely given we are in the peak sales season for these animals," he added.
