New movement restrictions are being introduced for breeding‑age females in herds where a bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) positive animal has been detected in Northern Ireland.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the new measures will come into effect on March 1, 2026.
They will apply to all females at least 12 months old in affected herds and address the significant risk posed by so‑called ‘trojan’ animals – pregnant females exposed to BVD during gestation whose calves may be born persistently infected with BVD virus.
These animals can unknowingly introduce BVD into previously uninfected herds, DAERA said.
The new controls form part of the phased implementation of the BVD Control Order (NI) 2024 and represent the next step in strengthening Northern Ireland’s BVD eradication programme.
Restrictions
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir 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.”
Progress
Minister Muir said 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,” the minister said.
“Through these new requirements, herd keepers can safeguard their own herd, support their neighbours and help drive this disease out of our cattle population once and for all.”
BVD
Breeding‑age females in herds with a BVD positive animal will be prohibited from moving from the herd for up to 41 weeks following removal of the last BVD positive animal, DAERA explained.
Restrictions will remain in place until the female has calved and its calf has tested negative for BVD.
They may also be lifted earlier if certain blood tests are carried out.
Trojan restrictions were originally scheduled for February 1, 2026, but were deferred to allow completion of updates to the Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS) database to apply and remove individual animal restrictions.
