DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced revised criteria for Alternative Control Herds, which are designed to allow cattle movements out of bovine Tuberculosis restricted herds under certain conditions.
The department said the arrangements could help alleviate overstocking in herds affected by a bTB breakdown, where facilities, housing or labour resources may be inadequate. The changes have been co-designed by DAERA and the TB Partnership Steering Group.
Two main types of Alternative Control Herd will be available. Controlled Finishing Units will provide a mechanism to rear and finish cattle from bTB restricted herds, while Calf Rearing Units will provide an outlet for low-risk young cattle up to 60 days old from restricted herds.
The Minister said the criteria would provide a carefully controlled option to help manage surplus cattle from restricted herds. He said the units would operate as bio-secure, non-grazing establishments, subject to strict biosecurity requirements, veterinary risk assessment and departmental oversight.
The review followed the TB Partnership Steering Group’s Blueprint for Eradication, published in April 2025, which included plans to examine existing criteria and seek a way forward on removing barriers to implementation.
DAERA said the revised approvals would reduce the risk of disease spreading within and from receiving herds through veterinary risk assessments before movement and strict biosecurity requirements. The department said the changes do not require legislation.