IBR blamed for live exports slump

A live exports reduction of over 20,000 head of cattle has been linked to Ireland’s inferior national herd health status for IBR (infectious bovine rhinotracheitis).

A 98% reduction (20,877 to 405) in live exports from Ireland to Belgium in the past year is linked to additional guarantees in respect of intra-community trade for countries like Belgium which are recognised by the European Commission as being officially free of IBR.

“While these guarantees do not prevent the importation of live animals they make it much more difficult,” according to Animal Health Ireland.