A case of bluetongue (BTV3) has been identified in an animal on a Wexford farm.

It is the first case of bluetongue to be identified in Ireland.

Increased Department of Agriculture testing and surveillance for bluetongue has been taking place since the Northern Ireland outbreak in 2025.

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Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said: “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, Britain and recently Northern Ireland,” the Minister said.

He continued: “Firstly, I want to emphasise that bluetongue cannot infect people and does not pose any food safety or human health issue.

Ongoing surveillance

"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.”

Impact on trade

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.”

Northern Ireland cases

Four cases were confirmed in Northern Ireland before Christmas with 52 cattle testing positive for the virus.

The virus has swept through the continent and England over the last year. The virus is spread by biting midges.

Last week, deputy chief veterinary officer Dr Eoin Ryan warned that Ireland was entering a risky period this year for a potential incursion.

“It is everywhere else in northern and western Europe. It has reached Northern Ireland. It is on the coast of Wales, Cornwall and Lancashire. We are at risk,” he said.

More to follow.