Bluetongue Situation Northern Ireland
Please see information below on the current Bluetongue situation in Northern Ireland.
Latest update
28 April 2026
We are now in the vector active period in Northern Ireland. Be vigilant for signs of Bluetongue (BTV). Further information on clinical signs can be found here.
Please consult your private veterinary practitioner for advice on vaccinating your livestock against the threat of BTV-3.
15 April 2026
DAERA announces that vaccination against Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV-3) will now be permitted under a general licence, simplifying access to BTV-3 vaccines for livestock keepers across Northern Ireland.
A Press Release on this can be viewed here.
General licences for BTV-3 vaccination for private veterinarians and livestock keepers and further guidance can be accessed here.
05 March 2026
DAERA and DAFM announce reciprocal Bluetongue derogations to ease trade.
Agriculture Ministers on both sides of the border have today moved to lift animal movement restrictions for breeding and production which were introduced following the Bluetongue outbreaks in both jurisdictions.
Cross-border movements of Bluetongue (BTV) susceptible species like cattle or sheep for breeding and production can resume from 09:00 on Friday 06 March 2026.
In addition, the BTV Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) in place in County Down, will be lifted effective from the same time. This will mean that all animals, will be free to move within Northern Ireland.
Further information is available at the DAERA Press Release here.
Details of derogations received by the EU Commission are available on the EU Commission website.
A .pdf version of the derogation for Northern Ireland is available to download here.
Animal Movements within Northern Ireland
All animals within Northern Ireland are free to move under a General Licence available here.
Movements outside of Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s Bluetongue-free status is suspended. This affects exports of susceptible animals and certain products. For more information visit the trade (export) hub.
Movements of Germinal Products to Great Britain (GB) or are intended to be moved to GB are subject to the conditions of the General Licence available here.
Queries regarding export requirements can be sent to
Moving animals and animal products into Northern Ireland
The derogation does not apply to movements of live animals from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI). As a result of the confirmed cases of BTV-3 in England and Wales, moves of all live ruminants from GB to NI are still suspended.
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.
DAERA’s Bluetongue Disease Control Framework
View the DAERA Veterinary Service Bluetongue Disease Control Framework
Further information on what Bluetongue is including guidance on clinical signs can be found here.
Advice to show organisers
Show organisers and exhibitors should be aware of the risks involved from Bluetongue (BTV-3), which is spread by midges, (and other diseases). The risks of both spreading and contracting the disease (BTV-3) can be mitigated by ensuring the animals are vaccinated against Bluetongue (BTV-3). Exhibitors should obtain advice from their Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP).
2026 Vector active period - disease control response for a suspect BTV case
Following reports of suspect BTV cases, DAERA will restrict the establishment until the outcome of the investigation, and laboratory testing is known.
If BTV-3 is confirmed, any restrictions on the establishment will be lifted.
If a BTV strain, other than BTV-3 is confirmed, DAERA will conduct a veterinary epidemiological investigation and consider whether a temporary control zone (TCZ) and movement restrictions would be appropriate.