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The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) has announced a new suspected incident of bluetongue virus (BTV) detected on a farm near Greyabbey in County Down. This suspected case involves a cow located within the current 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) surrounding a nearby holding close to Bangor, where the virus was first identified. Consequently, a second 20km TCZ is now being established around the Greyabbey farm, coming into effect at 18:00 GMT on Saturday.
Bluetongue virus spreads via midges and primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as sheep and cattle. While the virus does not pose any risk to human health or food safety, it can cause significant health issues in livestock, including ulcers, breathing difficulties, and reproductive problems. Given its potential impact on animal health and the rural economy, authorities are taking precautionary steps to contain the outbreak.
Andrew Muir, the Daera Minister, expressed his disappointment regarding the confirmation of a suspected case within the original TCZ, emphasizing the difficulties faced by the affected farmer. He referred to the introduction of the second control zone as an “essential measure” to manage the situation. Muir urged farmers to remain alert for any clinical signs of the disease and detailed ongoing cooperation between Daera, the agri-food industry, and government counterparts across Ireland, the UK, Scotland, and Wales as they respond to this evolving outbreak.
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher highlighted the unpredictable nature of bluetongue and its transmission through midges moving between flocks and herds. He stressed the significant consequences the virus has on livestock, the agricultural sector, and rural communities. Dooher encouraged everyone involved in farming, especially those within the designated TCZs, to adhere strictly to the imposed restrictions and maintain vigilance to protect animal health.
The recent case was anticipated given the pattern of bluetongue’s spread, according to BBC News Northern Ireland Environment Correspondent Louise Cullen. She pointed out the concerns arising from the proximity of the new control zone to Ballynahinch, an area with a livestock mart, noting that Saintfield livestock mart located within the original zone has already been suspended. Cullen suggested that the minister might soon need to consider expanding the control zone further across Northern Ireland to facilitate animal management on farms.
Bluetongue virus affects a range of animals including cattle, goats, sheep, deer, and camelids such as llamas and alpacas. Infection can lead to symptoms like mouth and facial ulcers, difficulty swallowing and breathing, fever, lameness, as well as fetal deformities and stillbirths in pregnant animals. Being a notifiable disease, suspected cases must be reported promptly to a veterinary professional or directly to Daera.
The current outbreak traces back to the Netherlands in 2023, where tens of thousands of sheep died. The virus spread further as infected midges were carried by winds to southern England. However, the impact of BTV-3 varies by region, with some animals showing minimal symptoms and recovering with little issue
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