Department Rules & Regulations

Important Note for Cattle Exhibitors

Procedure for Movement of Northern Ireland (NI) Cattle into and out of Local Agricultural Shows 2023

Disease Control

Only animals free from disease restrictions, including Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, Bluetongue and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (herd or individual animal restrictions) may be permitted to move to a Show.

Bovine Tuberculosis Controls

To minimize the risk to other livestock, exhibitors are encouraged to have “Show” animals tested for Tuberculosis by their Private Veterinary Practitioner in the 30 days beforehand.

To minimize the risk to their own herd, exhibitors are encouraged to quarantine show animals and have them tested for Tuberculosis by their Private Veterinary Practitioner at least 42 days after their last appearance at a show and before re-integration to the main herd.

Bovine Tuberculosis Controls

Pre-movement testin for Bovine Tuberculosis is no longer required for movement to shows.

The Compulsory Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Scheme (BVD).

Shows should put in place adequate bio-security measures to reduce the risk of transmission on the premises. Best practise is that all cattle are from herds where every animal has been BVD tested with a negative result and there have been no BVD POSITIVE ANIMALS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. As a minimum the following paragraphs must be met.

For cattle born on/after 01/03/2016, only those animals with BVDN status on APHIS (negative BVD test result) can be moved into a “Show” herd. APHIS will block the movement of animals which don’t have BVDN status.

For cattle born before 1st March 2016, animal with an APHIS status BVDP (positive), BVDI (inconclusive), DAMPI (damn of a positive animal) or OFFPI (offspring of a positive animal) cannot be moved into a show herd. APHIS will block the movement of animals with any of these statuses. 

For imported cattle born on or after 1st March 2016 and resident in a NI herd a BVDN status is required before the animal can be moved into a show herd. Statuses can only be obtained where a sample has been tested in laboratories approved under the NI scheme. AHWNI can attempt to obtain BVD statuses for animals that have been imported from the ROI, so owners of any such animals should contact AHWNI, allowing time for a test to be carried out should a BVD negative result be unavailable.

Imported animals, not resident in an N.I herd and moving directly to a show, should be tested with virus negative results or should be the damn of a virus negative calf. Show operators may ask for evidence of the relevant virus negative test result or proof that the animal concerned is the dam of a virus negative calf.

Proof of BVD Negative status

Farmers can access the AHWNI data base and it is www.animalhealthni.com using there government gateway ID and password, for BVD test results and to print certificate of BVD negative test result. BVD statuses are also available on APHIS online and on APHIS herd lists.

In summary, only those animals with a BVD status of BVDN (negative) INDNEG (indirect negative) or ‘blank’ (no BVD status on APHIS) can move into the Show Herd. Any animal with an APHIS status of BVDP, BVDI, DAMPI, OFFPI or BVDU (unknown) status cannot be moved into the “Show” herd.

In respect of imported animals born on or after 1/3/2016, if a result from an approved laboratory has not already been provided by the vendor, the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Scheme Order (Northern Ireland) 2016 requires a valid BVD test to be completed within 20 days of the date of importation.

Show Secretaries are advised to consult with AHWNI regarding BVD control at their show including what evidence of BVD status exhibitors may be required to give before or on arrival at the show.

All enquiries relating to details of the compulsory BVD scheme should be directed to AHWNI:

Unit 49

Dungannon Enterprise Centre

2 Coalisland Road

Dungannon 

Co. Tyrone

BT71 6JT

Phone: 02879639333                       Email: info@animalhealthni.com

Website: http://www.animalhealthni.com/

BVD REQUIREMENTS FOR SHOWS WISHING TO INCLUDE EXHIBITORS FOM IRELAND. 

IRELAND NOW HAS AN APPROVED BVD ERADICATION PROGRAMME. This increases the BVD requirements for the movement of cattle into Ireland. If a show in NI plans to include exhibitors from Ireland and plans to return these animals to their herds of origin via a non co minglement certificate then the show will need to have additional BVD requirements for all exhibitors in place - including cattle from NI herds. Show organisers are advised to contact daeratradeexports@daera-ni-gov.uk well in advance of the planned show to discuss these additional arrangements. Show organizers must ensure that NI exhibitors are aware of any additional BVD requirements. 

Identification

All cattle must be properly identified and comply with the Cattle Identification Regulations.

General Principles

Cattle sheep goats from ROi may only attend show premises in NI that are operating going to a Show(s) that are operating as an Eu Approved Assembly Centre for the relevant species on that day. Cattle going to a show must be accompanied by a fully completed MC2 document identifying the From and To premises entered as a presenters address and herd number and the document clearly marked VIA XXXXX Show premises as the destination.

The number of Shows to which cattle may travel is not limited provided these conditions are met on all occasions.

Movements to or from a Show for Keepers registered in NI 

On arrival at the Show, the cattle must be accompanied by a fully completed MC2 document.

Presenters responsibilities: 

The presenter completes MC2 Document showing booth origin and destination premises as the presenters home address and herd number but adding clearly VIA XXXXX Show qat a prominent place on the document.

Presenter brings the 3 copies (MC2A-White, MC2B-Yellow and MC2C-Pink) which must be brought to the Show. Presenter keeps Blue Copy. 

Presenter should carry the MC2 Book containing the Blue copy when transporting cattle back to the farm to fulfill legal on obligation for the move to be accompanied by a fully completed movement document. All 3 copies will be checked by a Show Representative and stamped with the Show stamp. Each presenter signs a presenter declaration see annex F stating cattle will return to the presenters premises at the end of the show.

N. B. 1. moves to the show, cannot be recorded by a farmer using APHIS on line. It all is currently done using paper MC2 documents allocated to the herd.

The top three copies white yellow and ink must be brought to the show. all 3 copies will be checked by a show representative and stamped with a show stamp

The MC2A (white) will be retained by the Show Operative.

Movements to or from a Show for Cattle Keepers registered in Republic of Ireland(ROI). Note - In order to receive cattle from the RoI, the RELEVANT PART OF THE Show premises must be operating to full EU Assembly Centre Standards for cattle and be approved for this purpose. ADVICE ON AND APPROVAL OF THIS MUST BE SOUGHT FROM THE LOCAL DIVISIONAL VETERINARY OFFICE. As part of these requirements RoI cattle must be kept segregated from NI cattle and must be re-exported directly from the Show premises to their premises of origin in the RoI as soon as the Show ends. A show with ROI exhibitors must have additional BVD requirements/checks in place for all competitors, including those from NI. Cattle imported directly to a Show from the ROI. Note - animals must be registered on APHIS by DAERA staff before they can move into a Show. This registration process will be carried out by the local DAERA office on receipt of the Health certificate issued by a Department Vet in the ROI, passport and “Show” MC2 documents from the Show Organiser. The registration process will allow DAERA to produce the necessary paperwork for the move out of the show. At present it is not possible for Show Organisers to electronically move imported animals into a show. Cattle entering a Show will be accompanied by a Passport and a Health Certificate issued by a Department Vet in the ROI. The Show will be issued with its own MC2 self-written notification book. The Show Operative will enter the animal(s) details onto the MC2 then send the completed MC2A (White) MC2B (Yellow) and MC2C (Pink) documents to the local DAERA Direct Office at the latest by the next working day. MC2D (Blue) should be retained in MC2 book. AE1/22/298927[v3] Shows 02/23 8 Cattle Re-exported Directly from a Show to the ROI. Cattle being re-exported to RoI will need to be accompanied by:

 An MC2L (produced by the local DAERA Direct Office);

 The passport (which accompanied the animal to the Show);

 Their original Health Certification suitably endorsed by the Veterinarian responsible for the Show;

 A Non Co-minglement Certificate which will be issued by the Veterinarian responsible for the Show. If the Show is on a Saturday the Show operator must ensure that all documentation is with their local DAERA Direct Office on the following Monday morning. The MC2L will be produced retrospectively. This may also occur when documents are received by the DAERA Direct Office too late to be processed before the animals leave the Show. 

Important Note for Sheep Exhibitors

Procedure for Movement of Northern Ireland Sheep into and out of Shows

Identification - For Moves to and from a Show

All sheep, irrespective of their date of birth, must be identified and comply with the Sheep and Goats Identification Regulations and be registered in the flock of the exhibitor.

All sheep must be identified correctly before arriving at the Show. Sheep arriving at the Show without the correct identification will be refused admittance.

Movement of Sheep to a Show - See Annex C

Sheep must be accompanied by a fully and accurately completed SG2 self-written movement document. The SG2 movement document authorises the movement of sheep or goats from the farm to Show premises.

The individual identification numbers must be recorded on the SG2 document (it is acceptable to attach a cross-referenced printed schedule listing the tag numbers to the SG2). These numbers must be checked by the Show Operators against the animals presented before the animals are allowed entry to the Show.

The SG2 movement documents must be stamped with the Show stamp. The white copy must be sent to the local DAERA Direct Office at the latest by the next working day.

Show Operators must have books of movement documents (SG2s) for sheep and separate books for goats.

Movement of Sheep from a Show - See Annex D

The yellow copy of the SG2 provided by the Show Operator must accompany the animals back from the Show. This must include details of the Show and receiving flock, the individual tag numbers (it is acceptable to attach a printed schedule listing the tag numbers to the SG2) or be cross referenced/stapled to the pink copy of the incoming SG2 (only if the whole batch moves out at the same time).
Section 3 of the outgoing SG2 must be signed by the flock keeper.

Both move in and move out white copies of the SG2 must be sent to the Show’s local DAERA Direct Office by the Show Operator at the latest by the next working day.

Movement of Sheep to and from a Central Point of Recording (CPR) Show

Sheep moving to a CPR Show must be accompanied by a fully and accurately completed SG2 self-written movement document, however, the individual tag numbers do not have to be recorded on the SG2.

The total number of sheep being moved into the Show must still be entered on the SG2.

The ear tag numbers will be read electronically on entry to the Show and a list of tag numbers will be given to the exhibitor.

The exhibitor must complete and sign a declaration stating that the sheep will be returned to their flock of origin directly from the Show premises.

The Show must send the declarations to the local DAERA Direct Office for the Show at the latest by the next working day.

On departure from the Show the ear tag numbers will again be read electronically and the exhibitor will be issued with a C movement document. This C document must accompany the sheep back to their premises of origin.

 

Important Note for Goat Exhibitors

Procedure for Movement of Northern Ireland Goats into and out of Shows

Identification - For Moves to and from a Show

All goats, irrespective of their date of birth, must be identified and comply with the Sheep and Goats Identification Regulations.

All goats and kids must be identified correctly before arriving at the Show. Goats arriving at the Show without identification will be refused admittance.

Movement - Goats Going to a Show - See Annex C

Movement of goats to Shows must be accompanied by a fully and accurately completed SG2 self-written movement document.

The individual identification numbers must be recorded on the SG2 document (it is acceptable to attach a printed schedule listing the tag numbers to the SG2). These numbers should be checked by the Show Operators against the animals presented before the animals are allowed entry to the Show.

The SG2 movement documents must be stamped by the Show Secretary. The white copy must be sent to the local DAERA Direct Office at the latest by the next working day.

Show Operators must have books of movement documents (SG2s) for goats and separate books for sheep.

Movement of Goats from a Show - See Annex D

The yellow copy of the SG2 provided by the Show Operator must accompany the animals back from the Show. This must include details of the Show and receiving herd, the individual tag numbers (manually added or scanned list) or be cross referenced/stapled to the pink copy of the incoming SG2 (only if the whole batch moves out at the same time). Section 3 of the outgoing SG2 must be signed by the herd keeper.

Both move in and move out white copies of the SG2 must be sent to the Show’s local DAERA Direct Office by the Show Operator within 7 days.

Important Note for Poultry Exhibitors

In view of the on-going issues with Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in many countries, Show operators must comply with the conditions of the general licence for bird gatherings which is on the DAERA website at:

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/general-licence-bird-gatherings

The species of poultry/birds involved will determine whether or not the holding of a show will be permitted.

 

Bio-security

Gathering animals together from many farms in different areas of the country has the potential to spread animal disease. It is the responsibility of every exhibitor to reduce this risk to a minimum and thus to protect his/her own livestock and that of other farmers. No animal under DAERA restriction, or showing signs or symptoms of any disease, must be brought to a Show. For example, if animals intended for a show are BVD PI animals or the dam of a BVD PI animal they should not be exhibited. Calves born on/after 01/03/2016 must have been tested negative for BVD.

Vehicles used to transport any animals to the Show must be cleansed and disinfected before leaving your farm, with special attention being paid to the underside and wheel arches. Any equipment brought to the Show should also be cleansed and disinfected with a DAERA approved disinfectant. These are listed at:

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/approved-disinfectants

Clean protective clothing and footwear should be worn when handling animals.

If bedding is to be used at the Show, it should be fresh and clean. Contaminated bedding should not be removed from the transport vehicle at the Show grounds.

Contact between animals while at the Show should be kept to a minimum.

Prior to leaving the Show grounds, or immediately on return home, protective clothing and footwear should be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected. Vehicles used to transport animals should be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected with special attention being paid to the underside and wheel arches.

Any clinical signs of disease occurring in animals that have been at the Show, during the following two to three weeks, must be reported to the Show operators. Where a notifiable disease is suspected, your local DAERA Direct Office should also be notified.

DAERA particularly encourages every exhibitor of in-calf cattle to assess carefully the risk of spreading disease before deciding to present them for showing. Exhibitors should ask themselves:

Are my TB and Brucellosis testing up to date?

Have the animals that I intend to exhibit a BVD status which allows movement into the Show herd? (Any animal with an APHIS status of BVDP, BVDI, DAMPI, OFFPI or BVDU status cannot be moved into the Show herd.)

Is my pregnant animal within the window of susceptibility for BVD infection (i.e. between 30 and 120 days in-calf) should it happen to encounter an animal transiently infected with BVD?

Is there any infectious disease in my area?

Have any of the cattle I intend exhibiting been bought in recently and do I know their movement and health history?

Have I reported any abortions in my herd and have they been tested and cleared?

Have I good bio-security on my farm, including precautions for people and animals coming on to the premises, and boundaries that prevent contact between my livestock and neighbouring livestock?

If you are in any doubt, contact the staff of the local DAERA Direct Office who will be happy to discuss the matter and offer advice.

Show operators should also be aware of the bio-security measures required for bird gatherings. Information is available on the DAERA website:

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/biosecurity-best-practice-bird-gatherings

Where appropriate it is recommended that all entries in the poultry section are vaccinated against Newcastle disease.

 

Animal Transport Rules

Farmers are reminded to comply with the animal transport rules which apply in all EU member states.

Under Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 and EU Council Regulation 1/2005 it is an offence to transport any animal in a way which causes, or is likely to cause, injury or unnecessary suffering to that animal. Additional rules apply where animals are being transported in connection with an economic activity.

The transport of animals to agricultural Shows is normally regarded as being connected to an economic activity however the following situations are exempt:

• journeys consisting of a single animal accompanied by a person who has responsibility for its welfare (or, for example, two animals accompanied by two people);
• where pet animals are taken to or from a specialist Show or competition, where the primary purpose is for pleasure or competition, not as part of a business;
• where horses and ponies are transported by their owner for the purpose of riding or showing or competing for pleasure. (However, where a transporter is paid to undertake the transport this is within the scope of the EU Regulation);
• where individuals attending Shows or competitions primarily for pleasure share the burden of transport, e.g. petrol costs, but there is no profit made by the individual carrying out the transport; and
• where pet owners or hobbyists transport their own animals to and from events such as Shows, even when they win minor cash prizes. (In this context a hobbyist is an animal breeder/keeper where the expenses of the hobby exceed any income generated by it).

Farmers who transport their own animals using their own vehicles on any journey less than 65km (40 miles) are also exempt.

In any other circumstance the transport of horses and farmed livestock to and from Shows is subject to the additional rules. The transporter must hold a valid certificate of competence and be authorised by their competent authority – DAERA in the north of Ireland. Additional conditions, including prior vehicle approval, apply for any journey of more than 8 hours.

More information, including application forms, can be downloaded from the DAERA website at:

Welfare of animals during transport | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Alternatively, please telephone DAERA Animal Welfare Helpline on 0300 200 7840

 

Key Points

Contact between animals at Shows poses risks to animal health.

Exhibitors have a responsibility to protect the health of their own animals as well as those belonging to other exhibitors.

Abortions in the exhibitor’s herd must be reported, tested and cleared. .

Farmers should assess the risks before taking animals to Shows; if in any doubt they should check with their local DAERA Direct Office that there are no herd or individual restrictions that would prevent a move to the Show.

High standards of hygiene must be maintained with regard to vehicles, equipment, protective clothing and contact between animals.

Exhibitors should be especially vigilant in monitoring the health of animals for some time after they return from Shows.

Cattle and sheep from the ROI may only attend Show premises in NI that are operating as EU Approved Assembly Centres for the relevant species on that day.

Exhibitors and Show operators should be aware of the risk of zoonotic disease - these are diseases that people can get through contact with animals. This can occur even when the animal appears healthy. Whilst under normal circumstances this should not be a problem, the stress of movement and mixing may lead to increased secretion of infective agents such as Campylobacter, E.coli O157, TB, Brucellosis, Salmonella species and Leptospira species. Show Operators should ensure that a Risk Assessment is carried out for each Show and that appropriate precautions are taken at all times especially where children, or immuno-compromised adults may come into contact with animals, their products and excreta.

In each of the above scenarios it is clear that full traceability is required for all animals exhibited at the Show. It is therefore essential that every animal is properly identified before admission to the Show; that all movement notification documents are completed fully and accurately and returned promptly to the Department; and that the Shows’ own Flock and Herd Records are maintained in an up-to-date condition at all times.