Six new cases of bluetongue have been confirmed in Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine stated today (Thursday, October 1).

Cases have now also been identified in Dublin, Waterford and Roscommon.

Bluetongue is a virus spread by insects, mainly Culicoides midges.

The bluetongue virus (BTV-3) was detected in counties Wicklow, Kildare, Louth, Laois, Monaghan, Cork and Tipperary in early 2026.

Last month additional cases were also detected in counties Wexford, Wicklow, Kildare and Louth.

According to DAFM the animals had shown clinical symptoms of bluetongue infection including crusty noses, drooling, mouth ulcers, lacrimation, lameness, crusty teats.

Latest information from the department shows that cattle have been more affected by the virus than sheep in Ireland.

Any suspect case of bluetongue must be reported to DAFM as it is a serious animal disease and can have severe on-farm impacts.

There are no public health risks associated with bluetongue.

DAFM has repeatedly outlined that bluetongue "does not affect human health or food safety: meat and dairy are safe to eat".

The latest cases in Ireland come as Scotland moves to extend its bluetongue zone nationwide from October 3.

The extension follows agreement with major farming and livestock organisations in Scotland that a single nationwide restriction zone is now the most practical approach.

The Scottish Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, Jim Fairlie said today: "Extending the restricted zone to cover the whole of Scotland is a practical, sensible step that reflects the reality of the situation we now face.

Meanwhile there have 2,408 cases of bluetongue BTV-3, or unspecified serotype, in the UK in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season

A total of 78 new cases were confirmed yesterday in England.