Minister Muir urges farmers to remain vigilant for Bluetongue virus
Date published:
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has today urged livestock keepers across Northern Ireland to be aware of the threat of Bluetongue Virus (BTV) following a significant rise in cases in Britain and the confirmation of a number of recent cases in the Irish Republic.
Amid ongoing concerns over the threat to cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas, Minister Muir noted: “Since the beginning of the current Bluetongue season, which commenced on 1 July 2026, there have been more than 1,600 confirmed cases of the BTV-3 Bluetongue strain in GB. This represents a significant change from the previous outbreak season, when 348 cases were confirmed in Britain and the clinical signs of disease were less severe.
“Furthermore, the Irish Republic this season has confirmed eight cases of BTV-3 in counties Wexford, Wicklow, Kildare and Louth. The surge in cases in Britain, together with the recent detections in Ireland and the increased severity of clinical signs is concerning.
“While no cases of Bluetongue have been detected in Northern Ireland during this season, it is possible the disease, which affects fertility and overall productivity on farms, could already be present in herds without animals exhibiting noticeable signs at this stage. As a result, I and my officials believe there is a strong possibility clinical cases will emerge over the next month.”
While there are no risks to public health or food safety and meat and dairy products remain safe to eat, Bluetongue can have devastating impacts on impacted herds.
Clinical signs of the disease can include lesions, sores and ulcerations affecting the nose, eyes, mouth, gums and dental pads, as well as fever, breathing difficulties, loss of appetite, lethargy, abortion, stillbirths and birth deformities in offspring. Further information about these can be found on the DAERA website.
A number of suspect cases have been reported in recent weeks in Northern Ireland. However, all have subsequently been ruled out following laboratory testing.
Nevertheless Minister Muir urged farmers to remain vigilant and to report any concerns to DAERA vets who would investigate them.
The DAERA Minister also encouraged farmers to consider vaccination of their livestock.
“Given the significant increase in cases in GB and the recent confirmation of cases in Ireland, I would again urge farmers to discuss their business concerns with their private veterinary practitioner,” he said.
“BTV-3 vaccination remains the only preventative tool to help reduce the impact of this disease. It takes approximately six weeks for cattle and three weeks for sheep to develop full immunity following vaccination.
"My officials continue to respond to all reported suspect cases as a priority. Active surveillance is ongoing at abattoirs; alongside post-import testing of susceptible animals imported from mainland EU countries.
“Safe and responsible sourcing of animals remains of paramount importance.
“Anyone who suspects Bluetongue in their animals should report it immediately to DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Regional Office and seek veterinary advice.
“In the meantime, myofficials are maintaining close engagement with counterparts in Britain and the Irish Republic to monitor the evolving situation. My Department will continue to keep the industry informed and will provide updates.”
Notes to editors:
- Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting ruminants such as cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, aplacas and deer.
- The disease is spread by biting midges and does not pose a risk to human health or food safety.
- Livestock keepers should remain vigilant and report any suspicions immediately to DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Regional Office.
- Further information on BTV-3 clinical signs is available here.
- Further information on Bluetongue situation in Northern Ireland is available on the DAERA website.
- Further information on the Bluetongue situation in Great Britain is available here.
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