First bluetongue cases confirmed in Northern Ireland

A 20km temporary control zone (TCZ) has been introduced in Northern Ireland following the confirmation of bluetongue virus (BTV 3) in cattle on Saturday (29 November).

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said vets were investigating the suspected cases near Bangor in County Down and the moving of susceptible animals on or off premises within the TCZ has been prohibited while investigations are ongoing.

Moves direct to slaughter are permitted under a general licence available on the Daera website.

See also: Fresh wave of bluetongue cases confirmed in Wales

Agriculture minister Andrew Muir said it is crucial that all producers affected by the control measures do their part in preventing further spread of the disease.

“While there was always a potential for bluetongue to arrive here, given its prevalence in GB and the EU, we must now do all we can to protect our livestock and limit the spread of the disease,” he said.

Rapid response

Daera put a disease control framework for the virus in place in June and said it enabled it to respond rapidly to the outbreak.

Chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher said: “Colleagues have been preparing for a possible incursion of this disease and have been working closely with our colleagues in the Republic of Ireland to ensure a co-ordinated response in tackling any incursion.”

He urged all farmers to ensure they source their animals responsibly and to remain vigilant for signs of the disease.

Keepers must report any symptoms immediately to their vet, local Divisional Veterinary Office or to the Daera helpline on 0300 200 7840.

Trade concerns

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) said most EU member states with BTV 3 have overcome the issues with live exports through bilateral trade arrangements and urged the Department of Agriculture to work closely with Daera in Northern Ireland.

IFA president Francie Gorman said: “The Department of Agriculture must immediately move to have trade from Ireland facilitated should BTV 3 be found here.

“We cannot have any disruption for this vital trade.”

IFA animal health chairman TJ Maher added: “Trade disruption and potential production losses on farms would impact directly and solely on farmers, if the disease spreads.”

Mr Maher added that the BTV-3 vaccines must be licensed immediately and made available for use.

GB cases

Across Great Britain, there have been 212 cases of bluetongue since July 2025, including 198 cases in England (190 cases of only BTV-3, one case of only BTV-8 and seven cases with both BTV-3 and BTV-8).

Wales has recorded 14 cases of BTV-3 in the current bluetongue “season” and there have been no cases in Scotland.