Agriculture ministers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have authorized derogations to resume cross-border movements of cattle and sheep affected by Bluetongue outbreaks. The measures take effect from 09:00 on Friday 6 March 2026.

Northern Ireland Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir and Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon announced the changes after consultations with industry stakeholders. The derogations allow movements for breeding and production purposes between the two jurisdictions.

A Temporary Control Zone for Bluetongue virus in County Down will lift at the same time. This enables free movement of all animals within Northern Ireland.

Minister Muir noted that the department is using a derogation under EU legislation to permit live animal imports from Bluetongue-3 affected EU states. He urged farmers to source animals responsibly, consult veterinary practitioners on vaccination against Bluetongue-3, and report any suspicions to DAERA.

Additional conditions apply to imports from EU states with other Bluetongue strains. Movements of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland remain suspended due to confirmed Bluetongue-3 cases there.

Minister Heydon stated that the changes restore essential trade vital to the all-island agri-food economy, which faced disruptions since the first Irish case.

Bluetongue spreads via biting midges and affects animals only. Suspected cases require immediate contact with DAERA at 0300 200 7840 or local offices.