Two suspect cases of bluetongue are currently under investigation in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) told Agriland that samples have been sent to the laboratory for testing.

Further details on the locations or the animals involved have not been confirmed.

DAERA said no cases of bluetongue have been confirmed in Northern Ireland to date this year.

Bluetongue

Further cases of bluetongue in the Republic of Ireland have been confirmed this week by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Total herd cases have now reached 28, with bluetongue identified in 11 counties so far.

The majority of the cases (26) have involved bovines, with two cases in sheep to date in Kildare and Wexford.

Wexford is the county with the highest number of bluetongue cases confirmed, currently stood at 10, followed by Kildare with six.

Remain vigilant

Bluetongue is a viral disease caused by bluetongue virus which can cause severe clinical signs in ruminant species and camelids.

As bluetongue is a notifiable disease, any suspect case of bluetongue must be reported without delay.

Farmers, veterinary practitioners and other relevant stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant for bluetongue.

There are no public health risks associated with bluetongue.

It does not affect human health or food safety.

It is, however, a serious animal disease as it may have severe on-farm impacts (reduced production, serious illness and even death of livestock) as well as economic impacts on Irish agri-industry, for instance, by affecting live animal trade with other countries.