There are currently no discussions taking place between authorities in NI and the Republic of Ireland (ROI) about lifting restrictions on the cross-border livestock trade.
Cattle and sheep exports from NI to farms in ROI have been suspended since bluetongue was first found in NI in December 2025.
A ban on livestock moving in the other direction then came into force in January 2026 when the viral disease was detected in ROI. While the cross-border movement restrictions do not apply to animals moving for direct slaughter, the ban has stopped the trade of breeding and store animals.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for DAERA said “regular discussions” on bluetongue are taking place between department officials in both jurisdictions.
“Discussions on derogations for breeding and production are not currently being considered. Further decisions may be taken following the evaluation of ongoing surveillance,” the spokesperson said.
The issue stems from the requirements that are set out on the export health certificates which are needed for moving livestock into and out of the EU.
With NI effectively a third country outside the EU, a derogation is needed to allow the cross-border livestock trade to resume while bluetongue remains an issue.
“Such policy decisions are only made after a careful consideration of factors such as the bluetongue prevalence in other member states, the current control strategy, and the need to minimise further introduction of disease,” the DAERA spokesperson said.
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