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Some of the restrictions on Saintfield livestock market, which were introduced following the detection of the bluetongue virus, are to be relaxed, the Department of Agriculture, Environment Rural Affairs (Daera) has announced.
The market, which is located in the bluetongue temporary control zone (TCZ), will be able to accept livestock from outside the TCZ from 16 December.
However, the market will not be able to accept animals from farms located within the zone.
Daera said that movements within and out of the TCZ are currently under review and “following completion of the necessary surveillance early next week”, it expects to be in a position to announce the next steps.
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said that Daera had informed Saintfield Market that it can recommence operations next Tuesday.
“Holdings inside the zone remain prohibited from moving animals off their premises unless they are being sent direct to slaughter under licence. They cannot, therefore, attend Saintfield Market,” he said.
But he added that Daera expect to make further announcements on this towards the end of next week.
Mr Dooher continued: “Animals sold at the market will, however, be able move to holdings inside and outside the zone.”
He said that the announcement is the latest in a series of moves to relax current restrictions which “are aimed at relieving the pressure on farms and rural communities”.
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Minister Andrew Muir welcomed the move
Minister Andrew Muir welcomed the move saying that was “another important step to support our agri-food industry”.
Muir said that while the arrival of bluetongue “necessitated stringent disease control measures”, Daera had been “acutely aware of the need to relieve the pressure on farms”.
“My officials are continuing to work with a range of stakeholders on next steps including moves from TCZ farms to outside the zone and we hope to be in a position to announce measures soon,” he said.
What is bluetongue virus?
Bluetongue virus affects cattle, goats, sheep, deer and camelids such as llamas and alpacas.
It can cause ulcers or sores around the animal’s mouth and face, difficulties swallowing and breathing, fever and lameness, foetal deformities and stillbirths.
The virus is primarily transmitted through biting midges which are most active from April to November.
It poses no public health risk and does not pose any threat to food safety.
