Lab testing has confirmed the presence of the bluetongue-3 virus in samples taken from two cows from a farm near Bangor, Co Down, on Wednesday as calls for farmer vigilance for signs of the disease have been renewed.

Another 44 cattle from the same herd have been flagged as suspected bluetongue cases, as the results of further surveillance testing carried out on herds within 20km of the case farm is awaited.

“The focus of DAERA [Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs] vets is now on surveillance testing of herds within the 20km temporary control zone to ascertain if there has been further infection in livestock outside the holding,” Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher said.

Confirmation of the disease sees Northern Ireland lose its bluetongue-free status for a period of at least two years, with major impacts looming for the region’s cattle and sheep live export trade. It follows a DAERA announcement on Saturday that routine surveillance testing the day previous turned up the possible presence of bluetongue antibodies in two animals on a farm near Bangor.

Clandeboye Estate subsequently issued a comment stating that the two cows in question were formerly from the estate’s herd.

All live cattle and sheep exports from NI to Britain have been halted, with the movement of any cattle and sheep not destined for immediate slaughter south of the border also temporarily banned.

Cattle and sheep may be exported south for immediate slaughter once 48 hours’ prior notice has been given. Worryingly for a disease primarily spread by biting midges, recent surveillance has “identified active midges in the locality”.

Peak midge activity usually occurs between April and November, tailing off as temperatures cool over winter months.

A spokesperson for DAERA said that they cannot comment on individual farms when asked if the livestock remaining on the farm in question will be culled.

“Culling of animals will only take place for bluetongue virus where such action is supported by evidence from appropriate disease surveillance and epidemiological evidence,” DAERA stated.