THERE are currently eight sheep flocks in Northern Ireland that are restricted due to Maedi Visna (MV) disease, it has been revealed.

Ulster Unionist MLA Diana Armstrong asked Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir to provide an update on Northern Ireland's MV status amid threats to funding for testing and detection. 

The Minister also revealed that this year, around £4,000 has been spent on screening and sampling for MV in imported sheep, excluding staff time and expenses. 

Mrs. Armstrong asked: "Can (Minister Muir) provide an update on the current status of Maedi Visna in Northern Ireland?"

The Minister responded: "Maedi-Visna is a notifiable disease in Northern Ireland. Where suspected the Department policy is to restrict the holding. 

"There are currently eight flocks restricted for Maedi Visna control reasons. Movements onto and off the premises are restricted and are only permitted subject to the conditions of a licence. 

"Movements off the premises are restricted to direct slaughter in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland but movements to Great Britain are permitted provided the sheep is not individually restricted."

Mrs. Armstrong then asked: "Can (Minister Muir) outline the current budget associated with the screening of Maedi Visna in Northern Ireland?"

Minister Muir responded: "The Department does not have a screening process in place for Maedi Visna (MV) in Northern Ireland (NI) resident flocks. 

"At present, the MV screening process is limited to imported sheep and goats depending on their origin.

"To date in 2024, the laboratory cost for post import MV sampling is expected to be approximately £4000. Additional costs incurred by the Department will also include staff time and expenses to carry out sampling activities."