A Temporary Control Zone for Bluetongue virus in County Down lifts at 09:00 on Friday 6 March 2026. Northern Ireland Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir authorised a derogation under EU legislation. This allows live animal movements for breeding and production from Bluetongue virus-3 affected EU states to Northern Ireland.

Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon authorised a matching derogation. The measures permit cross-border movements of susceptible species including cattle and sheep between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland from the same time.

All animals in Northern Ireland can move freely within the region after the zone lifts. Minister Muir advised farmers to source animals responsibly. He recommended consulting private veterinary practitioners about Bluetongue virus-3 vaccination. He urged reporting any suspicions to DAERA.

The derogation applies to EU states with only Bluetongue virus-3. Imports from states with other strains face additional requirements.

Live ruminant movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland remain suspended. Cases of Bluetongue virus-3 occurred in England and Wales.

Minister Heydon described cross-border trade of cattle and sheep for breeding and production as essential to the all-island agri-food economy.