Restrictions on the movement of cattle and sheep from Great Britain into Northern Ireland are to be relaxed next week, it emerged tonight.
Stormont Agriculture Minister Ms Brid Rodgers said there had been an almost total ban on the movement of animals from Britain since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease but it was now time to allow some freedom.
"Prevention of animal disease coming into Northern Ireland is one of our highest priorities and we have deliberately taken time in reaching conclusions about the basis on which future animal movements might take place," she said.
"Officials have been in discussion for some time now with our counterparts in Great Britain and have gone some way towards agreeing the range of controls which meet our objectives in terms of disease prevention and the achievement of all-island animal health status."
Mrs Rodgers thanked the farming community for their continued vigilance in relation to animal disease and for their patience during the negotiation of the new arrangements.
"They are only too aware of the potential damage to the farming industry if animal diseases get a foothold on this island," she said.
"The new proposals provide for interim arrangements in relation to the movement of cattle for slaughter and breeding from Great Britain and also sheep for slaughter and sheep for breeding.
"In both cases there will be requirements additional to those in place before the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, not only to prevent the recurrence of foot-and-mouth disease but also to take account of further disease threats and the need to ensure that animals reach their consigned destinations," she added.
PA