(AGENPARL) - Roma, 23 Settembre 2026 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL AFFAIRS

23 September 2026

Minister Muir urges farmers to remain vigilant for Bluetongue virus

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has today urged livestock keepers across Northern Ireland to be aware of the threat of Bluetongue Virus (BTV) following a significant rise in cases in Britain and the confirmation of a number of recent cases in the Irish Republic.

Amid ongoing concerns over the threat to cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas, Minister Muir noted: "Since the beginning of the current Bluetongue season, which commenced on 1 July 2026, there have been more than 1,600 confirmed cases of the BTV-3 Bluetongue strain in GB. This represents a significant change from the previous outbreak season, when 348 cases were confirmed in Britain and the clinical signs of disease were less severe.

"Furthermore, the Irish Republic this season has confirmed eight cases of BTV-3 in counties Wexford, Wicklow, Kildare and Louth. The surge in cases in Britain, together with the recent detections in Ireland and the increased severity of clinical signs is concerning.

"While no cases of Bluetongue have been detected in Northern Ireland during this season, it is possible the disease, which affects fertility and overall productivity on farms, could already be present in herds without animals exhibiting noticeable signs at this stage. As a result, I and my officials believe there is a strong possibility clinical cases will emerge over the next month."

While there are no risks to public health or food safety and meat and dairy products remain safe to eat, Bluetongue can have devastating impacts on impacted herds.