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The initial occurrence of Bluetongue this season in Northern Ireland has been identified on a Kilkeel farm in County Down. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirmed that three sheep tested positive for the virus. Despite this confirmation, there will be no new movement restrictions or establishment of disease control zones, as Bluetongue has been present in Northern Ireland since November 2025. Importantly, the virus does not pose a threat to public health or food safety.
Andrew Muir, the Agriculture Minister, described the detection as “disappointing but not unexpected,” considering the ongoing spread across Great Britain and Ireland. Brian Dooher, the Chief Veterinary Officer, emphasized the need for farmers to remain vigilant and observe any signs of the illness in their livestock. The presence of the virus in Kilkeel follows over 100 identified cases in the Republic of Ireland recently, with England seeing nearly 3,000 confirmed instances, Wales 512, and Scotland 57. The mild winter is believed to have contributed to higher survival rates of biting midges, the insects responsible for transmitting the disease.
Minister Muir underscored the critical role of awareness, stating that continued vigilance and strict biosecurity are essential. He urged farmers to promptly report any suspicions of Bluetongue to DAERA while reassuring the public that the virus does not threaten food safety or public health, confirming that milk and meat remain safe for consumption. Chief Veterinary Officer Dooher supported this call for reporting suspected cases and highlighted the ongoing active surveillance efforts at abattoirs and through post-import testing of susceptible animals arriving from mainland EU countries. He also stressed the importance of sourcing animals responsibly.
Bluetongue, which primarily affects ruminants including cattle, sheep, goats, and deer, was first discovered in Northern Ireland near Bangor in November 2025. Several herds along the eastern coastline have since been affected. In response, farmers are being encouraged to vaccinate their animals to reduce the spread and impact of the disease
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