DAERA announces new BVD movement restrictions
The measures address the risk of so-called 'trojan' animals.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is introducing new movement restrictions to prevent the spread of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) in Northern Ireland.
The measures, enforced from 1 March 2026, will apply to all females aged at least 12 months old which reside in an affected herd.
Under the new rules, these animals will be prohibited from moving from the herd for up to 41 weeks after the removal of the last BVD positive animal.
The restriction would then remain in place until the female has calved and its calf has tested negative for BVD. Restrictions might be lifted earlier if certain blood types are carried out.
The controls are part of a phased implementation of the BVD Control Order (NI) 2024, and are intended to strengthen Northern Ireland’s BVD eradication programme.
DAERA says that these new measures will address the significant risk posed by so-called ‘trojan’ animals. This refers to pregnant females which have been exposed to BVD during gestation, meaning their calves could be persistently infected with BVD.
Such animals are at risk of introducing BVD to previously uninfected herds.
Andrew Muir, DAERA minister, said: “The introduction of ‘trojan’ restrictions marks another essential step towards eliminating BVD from Northern Ireland. The movement of pregnant females that may be carrying BVD infected calves is a hidden source of disease spread and one of the most difficult to control. These new rules directly target that risk.
“Farmers across Northern Ireland have worked hard to reduce disease levels, and these additional controls will help protect that progress. I encourage keepers to work closely with their vets, ensure timely testing, and remain aware of the responsibilities that now apply.”
DAERA has shared more details about the measures on its website.
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