Northern Ireland officials warn farmers to prepare for rising bluetongue cases
Stormont Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir urged Northern Irish livestock owners to vaccinate against bluetongue as cases surge in Britain and the Irish Republic.
Andrew Muir, the Stormont Agriculture Minister, cautioned that while Northern Ireland has not yet reported bluetongue, the virus is spreading rapidly in neighboring regions, with 1,600 confirmed cases in Great Britain and eight BTV-3 detections in Irish counties. He noted the disease’s potential to hide in herds and cause reproductive losses, urging farmers to discuss vaccination with their vets. The BTV-3 vaccine is the only preventive measure, requiring six weeks for cattle and three weeks for sheep to achieve immunity.
Authorities continue active surveillance at abattoirs and post-import testing of animals from the EU. Any suspected cases should be reported to Daera for laboratory confirmation.
