Livestock movement restrictions eased

An easing of restriction on the movement of cattle in the North has been announced today by the North's Minister for Agriculture Brid Rodgers.

The move comes ahead of test results on a suspected case of foot-and-mouth at a farm in Ballintoy in Co Antrim.

The movement of livestock will be on welfare grounds only and subject to certification by local vets.

Ms Rodgers told a news conference today that sheep are still not permitted to move under any circumstances and the movement of pigs will be considered on their merits.