This week, Turkish authorities added Ireland to the list of EU member states approved to supply slaughter, fattening and breeding animals.

The main interest among Turkish importers is for weanling bulls for further feeding. In a newsletter to exporters on Tuesday, the Department of Agriculture summarised the conditions for such animals as:

  • A 21-day pre-export quarantine under Department control in an approved facility.
  • Cattle born and reared in Ireland.
  • There are no age or gender restrictions. The Department said: “However, our understanding is that, at present, only bulls less than 12 months and less than 300kg are acceptable.”
  • Herds of origin free of EBL, Brucellosis, TB and a range of other diseases.
  • Animals tested for TB, IBR/IPV and BVD prior to export and vaccinated against BVD.

    • The Department advised exporters that it is still awaiting clarification on when the pre-export quarantine period starts. That could be this week, it said, or earlier for exporters who have assembled and quarantined cattle in anticipation of the Turkish trade opening. Exporters will be able to deliver cattle to Turkey by road journey – in approved vehicles – or by boat. Some exporters feared only transport by sea would be accepted.

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    Welcomed

    Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed welcomed the development.

    “It follows proactive and detailed engagement by my Department with its Turkish counterparts and an inspection by a Turkish veterinary delegation in May.”

    IFA president Joe Healy said it would add competition to the trade for weanlings and younger stock.

    “Turkey is a high-volume live cattle destination, capable of paying very good prices. The IFA has been pushing to get the live trade to Turkey open since last year.”