Bluetongue virus has been confirmed on four farms in Co Wexford. The farms are located in the Blackwater area of the county.

Seven animals originating from the first farm which tested positive have been identified with the virus, with two bluetongue-positive cattle confirmed on a second farm.

Two other farms have each had one bovine which tested positive, Dr Eoin Ryan, deputy chief veterinary officer, told the Irish Farmers Journal.

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“These cases were picked up under the Department’s ongoing surveillance, with further tests being carried out.

“Over 800 blood tests of cattle have been carried out since 1 January 2026,” he said.

All cattle infected on the three new farms have tested positive for the virus and antibodies, he said.

Bluetongue can remain in the blood for a number of months after an animal has contracted the virus, he said.

Bluetongue is spread from animal to animal by biting midges. It is currently too cold for the virus to replicate in midges. In order for it to replicate, temperatures must remain at about 12°C consistently for a number of days. As a result, no control zones have been put in place.

“If we were concerned that the virus would spread, we would put in control zones,” he said. Implementing such zones now would not impede the virus from spreading.

Should the virus occur during the warmer months of the year, the imposition of control zones will be reviewed. The European Commission also decided before Christmas to downgrade bluetongue from a category C disease to a category D from July 2026.

This means that less stringent measures for the control of the disease will be required and will be examined by the department.

On vaccinations, the advice from the department is for farmers to engage with their vet on the best course of action for their farm.

Chinese market

China has suspended Irish beef exports following cases of bluetongue on farms in Co Wexford.

As part of the protocol agreed for beef exports, Ireland must inform China if a case of bluetongue occurs the country.

“Officials are engaging with their Chinese counterparts on the matter,” deputy chief veterinary officer Dr Eoin Ryan said.

The Chinese market had only reopened on 12 January following a visit by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.