The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) will introduce movement restrictions on breeding-age females in herds where a Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) positive animal has been detected, effective from 1 March 2026.

The measures apply to all females at least 12 months old in affected herds. They target 'trojan' animals, which are pregnant females exposed to BVD during gestation whose calves may be born persistently infected with the virus. Such animals can introduce BVD into previously uninfected herds.

The restrictions form part of the phased implementation of the BVD Control Order (NI) 2024 and aim to strengthen Northern Ireland’s BVD eradication programme.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir described the measures as an essential step towards eliminating BVD. He noted that the movement of pregnant females carrying potentially infected calves is a hidden source of disease spread. The minister encouraged farmers to work with veterinarians, ensure timely testing, and comply with the new responsibilities.

Breeding-age females in herds with a BVD positive animal will be prohibited from moving for up to 41 weeks following removal of the last BVD positive animal. Restrictions will remain until the female has calved and its calf has tested negative for BVD. They may be lifted earlier if specific blood tests are conducted.

Further details on the measures and guidance to minimise their impact are available on the DAERA website under Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) Herd Restrictions.