The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
(DAERA) has announced the introduction of new licensing
procedures for importing bovine semen into Northern Ireland (NI)
from Great Britain (GB).
Individuals and organisations who import bovine semen to NI from
GB no longer need to obtain a specific import licence, as this
material can now be imported under the terms of a general
licence. However bovine semen imports must also be accompanied by
an export health certificate signed by an Official Veterinarian,
appointed by the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) in GB.
Anyone wishing to import bovine semen should familiarise
themselves and be able to comply with the conditions set out in
the general licence, which is available to view
at: http://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/general-import-licences-animalsanimal-products
In order to safeguard Northern Ireland’s high health status and
to mitigate the risk of disease in animals, the Department has
comprehensive powers to ensure that all aspects of artificial
reproduction practices are in line with existing regulations.
Importation of semen into NI without following the correct
procedures could result in enforcement action and potential
prosecution.
For further information on the requirements for importing semen
or details of semen storage premises or a semen shop which are
approved and licensed under EC trade or NI domestic trade by
DAERA please e-mail: applications.aiabp@daera-ni.gov.uk
or by writing to:
Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs
Ballykelly House
111 Ballykelly Road,
Ballykelly,
Limavady
BT49 9HP
Notes to editors:
1. Artificial insemination (AI) is the process of collecting
sperm cells from a male animal and manually depositing them into
the reproductive tract of a female.
2. Only processed semen, which originates in Northern Ireland,
and has been collected in a collection centre approved by the
Department or which has been imported into Northern Ireland in
accordance with the Departments import requirements, may be
distributed.
3. Any person who fails to comply with any condition subject to
which a licence is granted, who contravenes any provision of the
prevailing regulations or knowingly or recklessly makes a
statement false in a material particular for the purposes of
obtaining a licence under could be guilty of an offence and be
liable to prosecution.
