Bluetongue restrictions on livestock market to be relaxed
Date published:
DAERA has announced plans to relax some of the restrictions on a County Down livestock market introduced following the detection of the Bluetongue virus in the area.
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher has announced that Saintfield Market, which is located in the Bluetongue Virus (BTV) Temporary Control Zone (TCZ), will be able to accept livestock from outside the TCZ from Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
However, the market will not, at this stage, be able to accept animals from farms located within the TCZ.
Movements within and out of the TCZ are currently under review and, following completion of the necessary surveillance early next week, the Department then expects to be in a position to inform of next steps.
Mr Dooher said: "Further to the announcement this week that permitted susceptible species to be moved into the TCZ and, following further assessments of risk, the Department has informed Saintfield Market it can recommence operations next Tuesday and accept animals from outside the zone. This is subject to General Licence requirements to move into the TCZ.
"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. We expect to make further announcements on this towards the end of next week.
"Animals sold at the market will, however, be able move to holdings inside and outside the zone.
"Today's announcement is the latest in a series of moves to relax restrictions introduced in the wake of the recent BTV outbreak and are aimed at relieving the pressure on farms and rural communities at this time.
"As outlined above, with herd surveillance testing for Bluetongue in the TCZ nearing completion, the Department plan, pending a further assessment of risk, to announce later next week the conditions and criteria to enable the movement of animals between premises inside the zone and to holdings outside the TCZ."
Bluetongue is primarily transmitted through biting midges and affects cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas.
Biting midges are most active from April to November and the potential for spread depends on climatic conditions and wind patterns.
It poses no public health risk, nor does it pose any threat to food safety. However its symptoms can be particularly severe in sheep.
Welcoming the relaxation of some of the restrictions on the market, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: "Ever since the outbreak near Bangor, DAERA vets have been working hard to understand the progression of the virus.
"The arrival of Bluetongue on these shores necessitated stringent disease control measures. However DAERA has also been acutely aware of the need to relieve the pressure on farms, based on the latest scientific advice and assessment.
"The reopening of livestock movements from outside the TCZ to Saintfield Market is another important step to support our agri-food industry. 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."
