DAERA Minister has today urged livestock
keepers across Northern Ireland to be aware of the threat of
Bluetongue Virus (BTV) following a significant rise in cases in
Britain and the confirmation of a number of recent cases in the
Irish Republic.
Amid ongoing concerns over the threat to cattle, sheep, goats,
deer, llamas and alpacas, Minister Muir noted: Since the
beginning of the current Bluetongue season, which commenced on 1
July 2026, there have been more than 1,600 confirmed cases of the
BTV-3 Bluetongue strain in GB. This represents a significant
change from the previous outbreak season, when 348 cases were
confirmed in Britain and the clinical signs of disease were less
severe.
Furthermore, the Irish Republic this season has confirmed eight
cases of BTV-3 in counties Wexford, Wicklow, Kildare and Louth.
The surge in cases in Britain, together with the recent
detections in Ireland and the increased severity of clinical
signs is concerning.
While no cases of Bluetongue have been detected in Northern
Ireland during this season, it is possible the disease, which
affects fertility and overall productivity on farms, could
already be present in herds without animals exhibiting noticeable
signs at this stage. As a result, I and my officials believe
there is a strong possibility clinical cases will emerge over the
next month.
While there are no risks to public health or food safety and meat
and dairy products remain safe to eat, Bluetongue can have
devastating impacts on impacted herds.
Clinical signs of the disease can include lesions, sores and
ulcerations affecting the nose, eyes, mouth, gums and dental
pads, as well as fever, breathing difficulties, loss of appetite,
lethargy, abortion, stillbirths and birth deformities in
offspring. Further information about these can be
found on the DAERA
website.
A number of suspect cases have been reported in recent weeks in
Northern Ireland. However, all have subsequently been ruled out
following laboratory testing.
Nevertheless Minister Muir urged farmers to remain vigilant and
to report any concerns to DAERA vets who would investigate them.
The DAERA Minister also encouraged farmers to consider
vaccination of their livestock.
Given the significant increase in cases in GB and the recent
confirmation of cases in Ireland, I would again urge farmers to
discuss their business concerns with their private veterinary
practitioner, he said.
BTV-3 vaccination remains the only preventative tool to help
reduce the impact of this disease. It takes approximately six
weeks for cattle and three weeks for sheep to develop full
immunity following vaccination.
"My officials continue to respond to all reported suspect cases
as a priority. Active surveillance is ongoing at abattoirs;
alongside post-import testing of susceptible animals imported
from mainland EU countries.
Safe and responsible sourcing of animals remains of paramount
importance.
Anyone who suspects Bluetongue in their animals should report it
immediately to DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct
Regional Office and seek veterinary advice.
In the meantime, myofficials are maintaining close engagement
with counterparts in Britain and the Irish Republic to monitor
the evolving situation. My Department will continue to keep the
industry informed and will provide updates.
Notes to editors:
- Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting ruminants such as
cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, aplacas and deer.
- The disease is spread by biting midges and does not pose a
risk to human health or food safety.
- Livestock keepers should remain vigilant and report any
suspicions immediately to DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or their
local DAERA
Direct Regional Office.
- Further information on BTV-3 clinical signs is
available here.
- Further information on Bluetongue situation in Northern
Ireland is available on the DAERA
website.
- Further information on the Bluetongue situation in Great
Britain is available here.(external link
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