The surveillance programme for Maedi Visna (MV) in NI sheep flocks is being reviewed by DAERA again.

At present, NI has MV-free status due to a long-running programme of testing and tracing which is conducted by the department.

This includes random sampling of NI flocks, as well as testing imports from areas which are not free of the viral disease, such as Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

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A spokesperson for DAERA confirmed that the programme “is currently under review” and officials have met with industry representatives to discuss “potential options for the future”.

Two years ago, DAERA set out plans to end its MV surveillance programme to help cut costs and it is understood that a similar proposal has been put forward again.

In the likes of Britain, MV testing is only conducted through voluntary accreditation schemes at the flock owner’s expense.

If NI went down a similar route, the concern is that the highly infectious viral disease would quickly spread, particularly among non-accredited commercial flocks.

“The views expressed by stakeholders will be taken into account in considering the way forward for MV controls,” the DAERA spokesperson said.

The department also confirmed that three flocks in NI are under restriction for MV at present.