Bluetongue Virus Confirmed on County Down Farm
The first case of Bluetongue in Northern Ireland this season has been confirmed on a farm in Kilkeel, County Down.
Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) stated the virus had been detected in three sheep. There will be no additional movement restrictions or disease control zones as the virus has been present in Northern Ireland since November 2025.
It poses no risk to public health.
Minister Andrew Muir expressed disappointment but not surprise at the virus discovery, given its spread in Great Britain and Ireland. He emphasized the importance of awareness and strict biosecurity measures.
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher urged local farmers to be vigilant about any symptoms in their livestock. The confirmation in Kilkeel follows over 100 cases across the Republic of Ireland in recent months.
Cases in England have reached 2,950, with 512 in Wales and 57 in Scotland. The mild winter suggests more biting midges, a primary vector for the disease, have survived and become infectious this season.
"Active surveillance" is ongoing at abattoirs and post-import testing of susceptible animals from mainland EU countries. Dooher also stressed the importance of responsible sourcing of animals.
The disease was first detected in Northern Ireland near Bangor in November 2025, and several other herds along the eastern coast have also been affected. Farmers have been advised to vaccinate their animals. Bluetongue impacts ruminants such as cattle, sheep, goats, and deer.