Importing Ewes from Northern Ireland

Jimbo789

What is the procedure for importing sheep from Northern Ireland?

I was interested in buying ewes from a flock in Northern Ireland. They are originally from England but are in Northern Ireland for 2 months.

Both flocks are MV accredited. The Northern Irish flock is scrapie monitored but I’m not sure if the English flock is.

Would these be eligible for importing to Ireland or would there be a problem within them originally being from England and possibly that the English flock isn’t scrapie monitored?

wrangler

Jimbo789 wrote: »

What is the procedure for importing sheep from Northern Ireland?

I was interested in buying ewes from a flock in Northern Ireland. They are originally from England but are in Northern Ireland for 2 months.

Both flocks are MV accredited. The Northern Irish flock is scrapie monitored but I’m not sure if the English flock is.

Would these be eligible for importing to Ireland or would there be a problem within them originally being from England and possibly that the English flock isn’t scrapie monitored?

If they're not scrapie monitored they can be genotyped or scrapie tested to import. but I think the northern Ireland farmer should've done that, he shouldn't have imported them without that

razor8

Jimbo789 wrote: »

What is the procedure for importing sheep from Northern Ireland?

I was interested in buying ewes from a flock in Northern Ireland. They are originally from England but are in Northern Ireland for 2 months.

Both flocks are MV accredited. The Northern Irish flock is scrapie monitored but I’m not sure if the English flock is.

Would these be eligible for importing to Ireland or would there be a problem within them originally being from England and possibly that the English flock isn’t scrapie monitored?

He wouldn’t of got them imported without them been MV accredited. There’s quiet a bit of hurdles to jump but it is possible. A lot easier to do rams rather than breeding ewes

Jimbo789

razor8 wrote: »

He wouldn’t of got them imported without them been Mc accredited. There’s quiet a bit of hurdles to jump but it is possible. A lot easier to do rams rather than breeding ewes

Why is it not as easy for ewes?

razor8

Jimbo789 wrote: »

Why is it not as easy for ewes?

Most pedigree flocks can justify the costs of getting accreditation. A lot of commercial flocks couldn’t justify it. Some have but they are few & far between

I’m nearly sure sheep have to be isolated for months after arrival as well

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/sheep-and-goat-imports-gb


https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/animalhealthwelfare/diseasecontrols/bluetonguedisease/BiosecurityAdviceFarmersImpLivestockVer1260318.pdf

Jimbo789

What paperwork would need to be sent into the DVO? Would an inspection be likely?

razor8

Jimbo789 wrote: »

What paperwork would need to be sent into the DVO? Would an inspection be likely?

Very likely. Both times I’ve bought rams I’ve had a “random” inspection. Asked to put in a portion of the ewes and they took bloods from 25. Not a problem really

Jimbo789

razor8 wrote: »

Very likely. Both times I’ve bought rams I’ve had a “random” inspection. Asked to put in a portion of the ewes and they took bloods from 25. Not a problem really

Were the rams bought MV accredited and scrapie monitored?

Did they test the ewes from the flock even though it was rams you imported?

Who pays for the cost of the blood tests?

razor8

Jimbo789 wrote: »

Were the rams bought MV accredited and scrapie monitored?

Did they test the ewes from the flock even though it was rams you imported?

Who pays for the cost of the blood tests?

Yes rams were tested for both. I didn’t have to pay

I’m in bord Bia so had flock register up to date

Jimbo789

Were the inspections from the department directly as a result of what you sent into to DVO or how else would they even know you had imported them? Is it like a red flag to them if they receive something other than a pink form?

razor8

Jimbo789 wrote: »

Were the inspections from the department directly as a result of what you sent into to DVO or how else would they even know you had imported them? Is it like a red flag to them if they receive something other than a pink form?

You can’t import them without them knowing. A northern vet has to certify them before travel.

Even bringIng sheep into Northern Ireland from Scotland will result in purchased sheep having to be tested on new farm. For good reasons too eg blue tongue scrapie