BVD movement restrictions on breeding-age females to begin on 1 March 2026
Date published:
DAERA is to introduce new movement restrictions for breeding age females in herds where a Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) positive animal has been detected.
The new measures, which will come into effect on 1 March 2026, will apply to all females at least 12 months old in affected herds and address the significant risk posed by so‑called ‘trojan’ animals - pregnant females exposed to BVD during gestation whose calves may be born persistently infected with BVD virus.
These animals can unknowingly introduce BVD into previously uninfected herds.
The new controls form part of the phased implementation of the BVD Control Order (NI) 2024 and represent the next step in strengthening Northern Ireland’s BVD eradication programme.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “The introduction of ‘trojan’ restrictions marks another essential step towards eliminating BVD from Northern Ireland. The movement of pregnant females that may be carrying BVD‑infected calves is a hidden source of disease spread and one of the most difficult to control. These new rules directly target that risk.
“Farmers across Northern Ireland have worked hard to reduce disease levels, and these additional controls will help protect that progress. I encourage keepers to work closely with their vets, ensure timely testing, and remain aware of the responsibilities that now apply.”
The Minister concluded: “Through these new requirements, herd keepers can safeguard their own herd, support their neighbours and help drive this disease out of our cattle population once and for all.”
Breeding‑age females in herds with a BVD positive animal will be prohibited from moving from the herd for up to 41 weeks following removal of the last BVD positive animal. Restrictions will remain in place until the female has calved and its calf has tested negative for BVD. They may also be lifted earlier if certain blood tests are carried out.
Further details on how the measures will be applied and guidance on minimising their impact are available on the DAERA website: Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) Herd Restrictions.
Notes to editors:
- BVD is mainly spread by persistently infected (PI) cattle, which are born with the disease, having come into contact with the virus in the womb. The virus can spread by other routes, including transiently infected cattle, who shed virus for 2 to 3 weeks, after which they recover.
- Trojan restrictions complement the stricter herd level restrictions introduced on 1 February 2026, under which herds are immediately restricted following any BVD positive or inconclusive result.
- Trojan restrictions were originally scheduled for 1 February 2026 but were deferred to allow completion of updates to the NIFAIS database to apply and remove individual‑animal restrictions.
- The restriction of individual females will be lifted earlier if any of the following conditions apply:
- the restricted female has a calf which has been BVD tested with a negative result;
- the restricted female tested positive for BVD antibodies at an approved laboratory from a blood sample taken within the previous 12 months and before the insemination preceding its current gestation; or
- the restricted female tested negative for BVD antibodies, on a blood sample taken at least 21 days after the day on which the last bovine in the herd with a positive test result was removed.
- Restricted females will be prohibited from moving from the herd. Movements will, however, be allowed:
- to slaughter, of BVD tested animals;
- for disposal of the animal as an animal by-product;
- exceptionally under a licence issued by the Department.
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