The Department of Agriculture has moved to suspend exports of cattle and sheep for further feeding from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland (NI) with immediate effect.

Exports of animals for direct slaughter to NI can continue.

The reopening of the store cattle and sheep market can only take place following the amendment of health certs for animals being exported to NI.

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The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the Department of Agriculture is negotiating the terms and conditions of the health certs and amending them and is hopeful that progress can be made by the end of this week.

The latest figures from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in NI shows 254 cattle were exported in the first week of 2026 and 296 in the second week for direct slaughter. No sheep were exported for direct slaughter.

There were 550 cattle exported for direct slaughter and 243 exported for further feeding up until 17 January 2026.

Exports to EU to continue

The meeting was also told that exports to Spain and Holland are expected to continue as is, which will be a welcome relief to calf exporters ahead of the busy calf export season commencing next month.

Exports to other European countries have stipulations regarding vaccinations, blood testing and quarantine periods, which the Department of Agriculture is currently communicating to live exporters.

The Republic of Ireland recorded its first case of bluetongue last weekend on a farm in Co Wexford.

No restriction zone has been placed around the farm, with just the farm where the positive case was found being restricted from moving animals.

No further movement restrictions or control zones are in place. All marts are taking place as normal around the country.