December 3, 2025

 

Bluetongue may have reach Ireland island for first time, Northern Irish, UK minister says

 

 

The Agriculture Minister of Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, Andrew Muir, said it is "highly likely" bluetongue virus (BTV-3) has arrived on the island of Ireland for the first time as vets continue to investigate a suspected case.

 

The Department of Agriculture, Environment Rural Affairs (Daera) said surveillance at an abattoir indicated the presence of the disease in two cows from a farm near Bangor, County Down.

 

A 20 km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) was put in place on November 29, and Muir said the suspect cases are of "significant concern".

 

Speaking to media, he said that whilst investigations are underway, it is "highly likely" that this is a case of bluetongue.

 

"This has arrived, I'm very confident, on the island of Ireland," he said.

 

Muir added that his "department has responded swiftly and hard" by establishing a control zone and only permitting movement of animals if they are going directly to slaughter.

 

Moves of species susceptible to bluetongue on or off premises within the TCZ are prohibited while officials carry out further investigations.

 

A general licence is available that allows animals to cross the boundary if they are going directly to slaughter.

 

Muir also said that there would be cross-border efforts to resolve the issue.

 

He stated that vaccines have been made available in response to the virus.

- BBC