Minister Heydon reminds farmers of seasonal risk of bluetongue infection
- Foilsithe: 28 Aibreán 2026
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 28 Aibreán 2026
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, today issued a reminder to livestock owners to prepare for the higher risk period for bluetongue virus (BTV).
Minister Heydon said:
“As we enter the summer period when sustained warmer temperatures will make replication of bluetongue virus possible within infected midges, I would like to advise cattle and sheep farmers to consult with their veterinary practitioners, to decide whether to vaccinate their flocks or herds. Sheep vaccination takes three weeks to take full effect, and cattle vaccination takes six weeks, so it is important to discuss with your private veterinarian now and decide whether or not to vaccinate. Bluetongue virus is spread via midges and temperatures need to be greater that 12°C for a sustained period for the virus to replicate within the midge so that the midge can spread the virus.”
The Minister further explained that BTV vaccination can reduce the impact and severity of bluetongue virus on livestock and in that way mitigate both animal health and welfare issues and the production losses which an infection may cause.
Minister Heydon went on to say:
“In March, I added bluetongue vaccination as one of the optional measures under the 2026 National Sheep Welfare Scheme as well as the 2026 Beef Welfare Scheme, due to open in August as it did in previous years.”
Farmers may obtain BTV vaccines from their veterinary practitioner, under licence from the Department. Farmers interested in obtaining BTV vaccines should discuss this with their vet. Details on the licence requirements, as well as general information on the disease, are available at www.gov.ie/bluetongue.
ENDS