Bluetongue Situation Northern Ireland
Please see information below on the current Bluetongue situation in Northern Ireland.
Latest update
8 January 2026
DAERA Minister Muir announces financial support for pre-movement testing in Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone.
A DAERA Press Release on this development is available to view here.
Private Veterinary Practitioners (PVPs) will be able to administer any required pre-movement testing, with the laboratory cost of the tests now payable by DAERA for a limited period.
Further guidance for PVPs for pre movement testing of high-risk animals is available here.
Guidance for farmers moving animals within and out of the Bluetongue TCZ is available here.
19 December 2025
Following the receipt of official laboratory confirmation by the National Reference Laboratory, Pirbright, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland has confirmed the presence of Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the two suspected cases of Bluetongue on the fourth County Down farm initially reported on 16 December 2025.
18 December 2025
DAERA has announced a further relaxation of animal movement restrictions for farms within the Bluetongue Virus (BTV) Temporary Control Zone (TCZ).
A DAERA Press Release on this development is available to view here.
16 December 2025
Preliminary results of testing carried out by DAERA on a small herd in Co Down have resulted in two positive samples for BTV.
Tracing will commence from the risk window of 01 September 2025 and the emergence of this latest suspect case does not require an extension to the current TCZ.
The discovery came as the National Reference Laboratory confirmed the Bluetongue virus (BTV) in the first Greyabbey case (initially reported on 6 December) and the case on a farm near the site of the original outbreak near Bangor (initially reported on 11 December).
A DAERA Press Release issued on the above is available to view here.
Timeline of Key Events
A presentation on the key events of the Bluetongue developments in Northern Ireland since the 29 November 2025 is available to view here.
This presentation will be updated as the situation evolves.
Temporary Control Zone and Map Viewer
The Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) Declaration is available here.
An interactive map viewer can be accessed here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A list of frequently asked questions regarding Bluetongue can be accessed here.
Further information on what Bluetongue is including guidance on clinical signs can be found here.
Movements within Northern Ireland - Bluetongue Licences
Bluetongue Licences Page is available here.
From Friday, 19 December 2025, all animals, except for animals that have tested positive for Bluetongue (BTV), will be free to move under general licence within and out of the Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) unless they are in certain high-risk categories.
High Risk categories are defined as:
- Cattle: All females 18 months and older and bulls 14 months and older
- Sheep & Goats: Breeding males
- Deer, Llamas and Alpacas: Pregnant females and breeding males
Those within these high-risk categories will be permitted to move under specific licence but are subject to certain additional requirements. Dependent on animal category, these requirements include either proof of a negative pregnancy test, or negative pre-movement testing or proof of previous Bluetongue vaccination.
A DAERA Press Release on this development can be viewed here.
Guidance for farmers for moving animals within and out of the BTV zone is available here.
Movements from the free area in NI into the TCZ
Moves of susceptible species from the free area in NI into the Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) will be permitted under General Licence from Tuesday 9 December 2025. The licence can be downloaded from the Bluetongue Licences Page.
Outside the Temporary Control Zone
Movements of susceptible species and animal products within Northern Ireland can continue as normal at this time. This is subject to review so make sure you keep up to date with the current position.
Movements outside of Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s Bluetongue-free status was suspended at 9pm on Saturday, 29 November 2025. This affects exports of susceptible animals and certain products. For more information visit the trade hub.
Queries regarding export requirements can be sent to
Moving animals and animal products into Northern Ireland
The rules around moving animals and animal products from susceptible species remain unchanged. You can find the latest information on our importing animals, animal products and by-products page.
Germinal Products
Movements within NI
Movements within the free area (outside the Temporary Control Zone) can take place as normal.
To and From Temporary Control Zone (TCZ)
Germinal products can be moved from the free area into the TCZ, but cannot leave the TCZ unless the donors meet specific testing and biosecurity standards. Any storage of germinal products within the TCZ requires a farm storage licence issued by DAERA - apply via this link.
Embryo Collection/Production Teams are allowed to collect embryos or oocytes from animals inside the TCZ. If donor animals show no signs of disease, these embryos or oocytes can be collected and stored on the farm under a valid farm storage licence. Farmers without this licence must apply for one before any embryo collection takes place. You can apply for a farm storage licence.
Movement of semen, embryos or oocytes from the TCZ for use or storage in the free area is not permitted unless all required testing and biosecurity conditions are met as set out in the General Licence - BTV 31 Movement Licence Germinal Products.
DAERA’s Bluetongue Disease Control Framework
View the DAERA Veterinary Service Bluetongue Disease Control Framework