Advice for people entering Northern Ireland
General advice to people entering Northern Ireland (NI) to help prevent the entry of diseases.
- Do not land any food or food waste. Surrender all animal and dairy products to an officer of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Should you choose to bring food products into NI these products must meet both European Union (EU) and NI strict import requirements. Failure to comply will result in the goods being seized and may result in prosecution.
- Avoid visiting poultry farms, live animal markets or pet and open farms while abroad.
- If you have been in contact with farm livestock, particularly poultry, all clothing should be dry cleaned or washed at the highest temperature for the material as soon as possible.
- Shower or bath as soon as possible and practice thorough personal hygiene.
- Any prams, buggies or bicycles should have their wheels washed in a Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) approved disinfectant.
- Imported pets should be washed in a veterinary-approved disinfectant shampoo as soon as possible. Contact your veterinary surgeon for advice.
- Where possible avoid contact with farm livestock for at least a week.
- Where you are knowingly intending to travel to Northern Ireland, before visiting farm livestock in another country, ask yourself three questions.
- Am I aware of the possible consequences of carrying a disease back to Northern Ireland?
- Am I prepared to take the risk?
- Is my visit to the farm essential?
- Where you have visited farm livestock in another country, you must take all reasonable precautions, as mentioned above, to prevent bringing disease back to Northern Ireland.
- If you have recently been in contact with farm animals, or are travelling from or to a farm premises, you must report to an officer of DARD.
- If you are returning from any country affected by Avian Flu and feel unwell on your return you should consult a doctor immediately.
You are responsible for your actions, which could potentially bring disease to Northern Ireland affecting both animal health and public health.
Help DARD to help you keep our country free from Epizootic Disease.