Almost two weeks after the first case of bluetongue disease was confirmed on a farm in County Wexford, and subsequently in herds on other farms, the Animal Health Chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association said it was “reasonable to expect further cases to be detected in the coming days and weeks” as surveillance was carried out.
Speaking from his farm, David Hall said: “The disease is transmitted by midges and only spreads when temperatures are above 12 to 15 degrees, so the risk of further spread is low at this time of year.”
There are currently no restrictions on the movement of cattle or sheep within the country, except for farms that have positive animals or are currently under surveillance.
There are no restrictions on live exports to Europe’s largest live export market. The Netherlands, France and Spain have not implemented any restrictions and trade can continue as normal. However, other markets have introduced additional regulations.
A week ago, China suspended beef imports from the Republic of Ireland, just two weeks after the market reopened.
Mr Hall advised farmers to discuss with their veterinarians “whether you should consider vaccination on your farm”.
Confirmed bluetongue cases in County Wexford have ended Ireland’s disease-free streak and raised new concerns for the livestock industry. (Photo by LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images)
The use of bluetongue vaccination against bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) was recently authorized in cattle and sheep in Ireland in 2026.
Farmers can consider vaccinating against bluetongue serotype 3 in the spring of 2026 to protect livestock before midge-borne viruses spread in the warm summer and fall.
There was no bluetongue outbreak in Ireland until late last year, when a case was discovered in Northern Ireland. This virus continues to spread throughout Europe. However, in recent years, BTV 3 has become rapidly popular.
It has been confirmed in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom since autumn 2023, and has successfully overwintered in several countries. By 2024, it has also been confirmed in France, Luxembourg, and Denmark. Other serotypes also continue to circulate in southern Europe.