DAERA has advised that cattle being moved to Ireland will have to meet new trade requirements relating to Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) when Ireland achieves BVD Free Status, expected in 2024.
The Irish BVD Eradication programme was approved by the EU Commission in July 2022, resulting in new export requirements for cattle moving to that jurisdiction for breeding and production. When Ireland achieves formal BVD Free Status the export requirements will change again, and the export of any animal that has been vaccinated for BVD in its lifetime will be banned.
BVD vaccinated animals currently remain eligible for export to Ireland, and this will continue until BVD Free Status is achieved.
Keepers who wish to export cattle next year should now plan for the new requirement as BVD vaccination will prevent this trade. Animals moving directly to slaughter are unaffected. Keepers are advised to seek advice from their Private Veterinary Practitioners (PVPs) as BVD vaccines play an important role in protecting breeding animals from becoming infected with the BVD virus and for many herds their continued use is recommended.
Currently Austria, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and parts of Germany have achieved BVD Free Status. Full details of the BVD pre-export requirements for cattle moving to Member States with an approved programme or disease-free status. Keepers should discuss how they can meet these requirements with their PVP well in advance of the proposed date of export.
Notes to editors:
- Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is a highly contagious disease which reduces the productivity and profitability of affected herds, as well as compromising animal welfare.
- The level of BVD in animals across Northern Ireland has fallen over 50% since the introduction of the compulsory eradication scheme in 2016. The Department continues to work with industry to drive down levels of this disease and is currently taking the necessary steps to introduce new legislation which will allow herd restrictions to be implemented. It is recognised, however, that further measures are required including development of a second phase of legislation to support the eradication of BVD.
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