New suspected case of bluetongue virus in Northern Ireland under investigation

Daera Has Announced the Emergence of Two More Suspected Bluetongue Cases on a Third Co down Farm.

The Temporary Control Zone Tcz) Surveillance Has Detected the Suspect Cases in Two Cows on a Farm near Bangor.

Following Initial Veterinary Assessment, Based on the Proximity of Cases, It Has Been Decided That the Emergence of the Latest Suspect Case Does Not Require an Extension to the Tcz.

Daera Minister Andrew Muir Said: The Emergence of Another Suspect Case Is Disappointing but Not Surprising Given the Scale of the Surveillance Testing That Has Taken Place Following the Outbreak near Bangor.

Bluetongue Is an Unpredictable Virus That Can Be Spread Rapidly by Midges Through and Between Flocks and Herds. It Poses No Human Health Risk or Food Safety Concern but It Does Impact Cloven Hoofed Animals like Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Deer, Llamas and Alpacas. It Is, Therefore, Essential Farmers and Vets Remain Vigilant for Clinical Signs of the Disease in the Weeks and Months Ahead, Given the Impact on Animals – Particularly Sheep."

Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher Added: While We Remain Hopeful That the Winter Will Limit the Ability of Midges to Further Spread the Disease, Keepers Who Suspect an Outbreak Should Report Any Symptoms Immediately to Their Vet, Local Divisional veterinary Office or to the Daera Helpline on 0300 200 7840."

Given the Proximity of These Btv Cases and the Fact That Two Have Been Identified As a Result of the Surveillance Testing Following the Original Outbreak, the Chief Veterinary Officer Has Also Decided the Two Tczs in Co down Will Now Be Treated As One Zone.

Notes to Editors: 

1. Daera's Disease Control Framework for Northern Ireland Ni) for Bluetongue virus Btv-3) Can Be Accessed At: Www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/publications/bluetongue-disease-control-framework. 
2. The General Licence for the Movement of Animals into the Temporary Control Zones Tczs) Can Be Accessed At: Www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/publications/bluetongue-general-licences.
3. The Tcz Declaration in Co down Issued by Daera Can Be Accessed At: Www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/publications/declaration. This Contains Maps of Both Km Tczs to Enable Farmers To confirm Whether They Are Impacted.
4. All General Licences Available in Relation to the Bluetongue Incursion in Northern Ireland Can Be Viewed and Downloaded for Use At: Www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/publications/bluetongue-general-licences
5. Information And advice on Btv-3, Including the Clinical Signs Can Be Accessed At: Www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/articles/bluetongue. Information About the Clinical Signs Is Also Being Shared on Daera's Social Media Accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X and Linkedin.
6. Btv-3 Was First Detected in the Netherlands in September 2023 and Has spread Across Europe Since Then with Confirmation of the Disease in the East of England Coming in November 2023.