Rural Life
Six new cases of bluetongue have been confirmed in Ireland, according to latest DAFM figures (Thursday, October 1).
Bluetongue
Farmers across Northern Ireland are urged to be aware of the threat of bluetongue virus (BTV).
Agri-Business
Over 11,000 animals in Ireland have been sampled and tested for antibodies to bluetongue virus since the start of the year.
Sheep
A dead ram in Co. Wexford has tested PCR positive for bluetongue virus, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed.
A second case of bluetongue being identified this week will prompt concern amongst Irish livestock farmers of its spread.
There have been 1,048 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the UK in the 2026/2027 season.
Farmers are being urged to be vigilant for bluetongue as an investigation continues into the recent case in Co. Wexford
The ICMSA has urged for "more energy" from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on bluetongue vaccination.
A heifer in Co. Wexford has tested positive for bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the Department of Agriculture (DAFM) has confirmed.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) foresees no difficulties with vaccine supply for the bluetongue virus (BTV).
Further supplies of bluetongue virus (BTV) vaccines are expected to enter the UK soon as cases continue to rise.
Defra has said 270 cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) have been confirmed in the UK in the 2026 to 2027 bluetongue season.
As cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) rise rapidly across England and Wales, farmers are being urged to vaccinate their livestock.
Researchers have emphasised the importance of "timely and humane decision-making" as they compared treatments for bluetongue in sheep.
N.Ireland
Farmers have been advised on when they should vaccinate their herd or flock from bluetongue as midge season approaches.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has simplified access to bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV 3) vaccines.
A TD has raised concern around the risk posed by bluetongue to sheep.
It is advised that vaccination should be completed in animals to protect them against bluetongue prior to the high-risk vector season from May onwards.
The Department of Agriculture (DAFM) said bluetongue virus has now been confirmed in "multiple cattle herds" in southern and eastern areas.
Farmers are being urged to seek advice from their vets on how to manage the risk of bluetongue.
Bluetongue has been detected in a sixth herd in Co. Wexford, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed.
Beef
50 veterinary practices have applied for bluetongue serotype-3 (BTV 3) vaccine licences to date, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed.
The Department of Agriculture said the cow detected with bluetongue in Co. Wexford had no clinical symptoms, Agriland understands.
