“My Department has detected a bovine infected with bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV3) in a herd in Co Wexford. This is unwelcome news but unfortunately it is not surprising, given the spread of this virus across Europe, Great Britain and recently Northern Ireland”

“Firstly, I want to emphasise that bluetongue cannot infect people and does not pose any food safety or human health issue. This finding arose from the routine ongoing surveillance my Department has been carrying out, so that we can find the disease as early as possible,” he said. “I want to express my sympathy to the affected farmer at this difficult time.”

“This virus predominantly is spread by midges. The replication of the virus in infected midges cannot happen when the daily temperatures are lower than 12 degrees Celsius. The recent seasonal drop in temperatures means that infection is unlikely to spread widely at the current time. Investigations are ongoing with additional sampling taking place so that we can understand the epidemiological situation”.

“This outbreak will have an impact on exports of cattle and sheep, with additional costs and logistical issues required in order to comply with the rules set by the countries of destination. In respect of meat and dairy products, there are no implications for exports to the EU, UK and to most of our international markets. My Department has been actively negotiating revisions to many trade certs for third countries so that the impact of any outbreak would be minimised, and that work will continue after this news”.

“My decision last year to approve the use of BTV3 vaccines in Ireland from 2026 provides farmers with a valuable tool to protect cattle and sheep against the impact of BTV3, should it spread more widely in the 2026 vector season. I encourage cattle and sheep farmers to discuss with their private veterinary practitioner whether vaccination is appropriate for their circumstances.”