Vigilance urged on Kilkenny farms as Bluetongue case confirmed in neighbouring county

Following the confirmation of the bluetongue virus in a bovine in Co Wexford, farmers have been reminded that the BTV3 vaccines are useful, and lower temperatures will reduce midge activity.

There has also been renewed calls for vigilance, from the IFA.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, confirmed that an outbreak of bluetongue has been detected in Co Wexford, last week.

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“This is unwelcome news but unfortunately it is not surprising, given the spread of this virus across Europe, Great Britain and recently Northern Ireland” the Minister said.

Surveillance
“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”.

Addressing the likely trade impacts, Minister Heydon said “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”.

Speaking about vaccination for BTV3, he said “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.”

Vigilance
IFA President Francie Gorman said the case of Bluetongue in Co Wexford is very disappointing. He said the highest level of vigilance is needed across the sector.

Critically, the IFA President said while investigations are ongoing, restrictions only apply on the farm in question. This means farmers can continue to market animals within the country while exercising the maximum level of vigilance.
“The lower temperatures and reduced midge activity, which is the main disease vector at this time of year, does allow trade to continue and potentially eradicate this disease.”

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The Department of Agriculture has resolved some of the issues affecting the live trade, but must ensure all international trade certs are amended so animals from Ireland can continue to be exported to these countries.

He said most EU Member States with BTV 3 have overcome the issues with live exports through bilateral trade arrangements. This is helpful and ensures this vital trade can continue, but there are additional costs involved for export to some countries that must be resolved.

IFA Animal Health Chair David Hall said it is critical everything is done to prevent this disease from spreading.

IFA will be engaging directly with the Minister and his officials to ensure the impact of BTV and associated controls on farms are kept to an absolute minimum.
Further information on bluetongue is available at www.gov.ie/bluetongue.