Treacy Welcomes Further Relaxation of Animal Movement Restrictions

Mr. Noel Treacy T.D., Minister for Science, Technology and Commerce, has this week warmly welcomed the further relaxation on animal movements as announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, following consultations with the Expert Group on Foot and Mouth Controls.

Minister Treacy is delighted that marts will reopen for specialised sales of breeding ewes and rams, as and from Monday next, 9th July. The discontinuation of the permitting system and veterinary inspection prior to sheep movements, as well as allowing multiple pick-ups prior to slaughter and allowing sheep to assemble for slaughter at up to two factories on a single day, commenced on Monday 2nd last..

Minister Treacy agrees that vigilance is still required to ensure that FMD does not again threaten livestock in this county, and as such agrees with the Expert Group in the Department Agriculture, Food and Rural Development that the 30 day retention rule is necessary for disease control purposes.

Minister Treacy said: "I was particularly pleased with the these relaxations in the movements of animals and I know that this will be warmly welcomed by farmers everywhere. People working in the agricultural sectors in this region have been particularly badly affected by the rigours of FMD prevention and I hope this signals a return to and workflow for everybody."

Minister Treacy added: "Sheep farming is a vital part of the agricultural sector in our area and I am delighted that the threat of FMD is starting to recede. I look forward to a return to full productivity in factories and marts in the near future, as this is vital for both the individual farmers and the different trading outlets".