The Department of Agriculture has confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that blue cards or animal passports must be stamped or signed by the relevant approved veterinary authority following a TB test.

There were reports in the last week suggesting that cards did not need to be stamped, with coronavirus concerns in handling cards highlighted as the reason.

A Department of Agriculture spokesperson told the Irish Farmer Journal: “There has been no change to the policy that cards must still be stamped following TB testing. Adjustments to the implementation of the TB programme in relation to COVID-19 are a matter of frequent discussion with stakeholders including farming and veterinary organisations, and subject to ongoing review based on HSE guidance”.

Marts and coronavirus restrictions

Livestock marts in Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan must now abide by tighter restrictions following a move to level 4 restrictive measures in the counties.

A Department statement on the matter released on Friday 16 October stated that marts must adjust their operations as follows:

  • Sales rings may stay open but two metres distancing must be enforced at the ring and throughout the premises of the mart.
  • Sellers must drop their livestock off and then leave the mart premises.
  • Where feasible, mart personnel should unload livestock, while sellers remain in their vehicles and hand passports (blue cards) to mart personnel.
  • Previewing of livestock at penside is not allowed.
  • Face coverings must be worn by both staff and visitors on marts premises.

    • Marts in the three affected counties must also submit a revised Covid-19 Level 4 standard operating procedure (SOP) to their Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) for approval.