Further bluetongue cases detected in County Down

Preliminary results of testing carried out by Daera on a County Down herd – where two suspected cases of bluetongue virus were recently identified and confirmed as BTV-3 – have revealed suspected presence in a further 44 cattle.

The outbreak was first flagged at a holding near Bangor, prompting Daera to establish a 20km temporary control zone (TCZ) from 29 November 2025.

NI farming minister Andrew Muir expressed disappointment at the preliminary results, calling the findings “a blow for the owners and staff on the farm, which operates to the highest biosecurity standards”.

See also: First bluetongue cases confirmed in Northern Ireland

He said: “It is also hugely disappointing for the agri-food sector which up until now has enjoyed bluetongue-free status in Northern Ireland.”

Surveillance testing

Daera and veterinary authorities are now conducting surveillance testing of herds within the TCZ to determine whether the infection has spread beyond the original farm.

Movement of susceptible animals in and out of the zone remains banned, except direct to slaughter under a general licence.

Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer, Brian Dooher, stressed the importance of co-operation from farmers.

“As that testing takes place, it is essential farmers continue to work closely with Daera in the coming days, as we try to understand if further spread has occurred,” he said.

Mr Muir said he has briefed his Irish government counterpart about the outbreak and confirmed Daera is in “constant contact” with counterparts across the UK and Republic of Ireland to co-ordinate a response.

Francie Gorman, president of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), said the increase in the number of suspected cases, and the confirmation of two cases of bluetongue in County Down, means the highest level of vigilance is needed across the sector and across the island.

Bluetongue does not have any effect on human health or food safety, but is a non-contagious, insect-borne, viral disease that affects ruminants, such as cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas.

GB cases

There have been 228 bluetongue cases across Great Britain since July 2025, including 213 in England (205 BTV-3, one BTV-8 and seven mixed BTV-3/BTV-8), 15 BTV-3 cases in Wales, and none in Scotland.

NI farmers within the control zone are being urged to monitor their animals and report any symptoms immediately to their local Divisional Veterinary Office or the Daera helpline on 0300 200 7840.