The actions DAERA is likely to take around an outbreak of Bluetongue Virus are set out in a disease control framework published in June 2025.

What is clear is that there will be no widespread cull of cattle and sheep as might happen in a Food and Mouth outbreak.

Where the disease is confirmed, culling of animals will be “considered based on the epidemiological picture and where proportionate” states the DAERA document. Compensation for infected animals is paid at 50% of market value, with 100% compensation for any ‘negative in contacts’.

At an online event back in August, DAERA officials indicated that they might look to cull a few herds to “stamp out” the disease early on, but if BTV gets more widely established, there is no point pursuing that approach.

A BTV vaccine was approved by Minister Muir in July 2025. However, despite 228 BTV cases in England and Wales since July 2025, the uptake of the vaccine by farmers in Britain remains low.

Zones

Within the 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) established around the Bangor farm, animal movements are not allowed, except to direct slaughter.

With NI BTV status now suspended, it also means no live animals for breeding or production can move from NI to the Republic of Ireland and the EU. However, animals can still go for direct slaughter so long as 48-hour pre-movement notification requirements are met.

Unable to operate

At present, Saintfield Mart is only one mart business within the TCZ and it has been unable to operate this week. Other marts in NI are operating as normal, with reports of more sheep coming through, given farmer concerns about further restrictions on movements.

It is understood that around 1,000 farms are in the initial 20km zone around the Bangor farm and therefore under movement restrictions.

Speaking in the Stormont Assembly chamber on Monday, Minister Muir was unable to give any clarity on how long these control zones would be in place.

“Only when further veterinary investigations take place, in addition to a further assessment of potential midge activity, can decisions be made,” he said..

ROI exhibitors excluded from RUAS Winter Fair

Organisers of the Royal Ulster Winter Fair have indicated they currently intend to proceed as planned, but without exhibitors from the Republic of Ireland and from within a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) in NI.

Farmers within the 20km zone are unable to move their livestock off farm, except to direct slaughter. That requirement rules out a number of herds in the north Down area from attending next Thursday’s event.

Also excluded are exhibitors from the Republic of Ireland as live exports of breeding animals from NI to the EU are currently suspended.

Group Operations Director at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), Rhonda Geary, confirmed that the cattle competition is scheduled to take place next Thursday and that it will still involve “a strong entry of cattle”.

“We’re in regular contact with officials at DAERA and will continue to follow their guidance,” she said.