Farmers are being urged to be vigilant for any signs of bluetongue virus (BTV) in cattle and sheep, after a number of cases of the virus were confirmed in Wales over the last week.
Four cases of bluetongue virus have been confirmed to date in Wales, all in cattle.
All of the cases are on farms near the English border. There has been 87 cases of bluetongue in England since July.
“Vigilance is critical to detect any cases promptly before the virus can replicate and become established in local livestock and midge populations,” the Department warned.
“Early detection of an incursion of the disease followed by timely action over the coming weeks would help to protect Ireland’s bluetongue disease-free status over the winter months and into the spring until temperatures begin to rise again,” it said.
High-risk period ending
Bluetongue virus is spread by infected biting midges which are present in Ireland and are generally most active between April and November.
The Department has said that bluetongue replication can only occur in the midge in temperatures above 12°C to 15°C.
“The higher-risk period for bluetongue incursion in Ireland via windblown infected midges from Britain and mainland Europe is coming to an end as temperatures steadily decrease,” it said.
Managing risk
Bluetongue surveillance is ongoing across the country, with the aim of early detection of the disease in the event it reaches Ireland.
Movements of live susceptible ruminants into Ireland must meet certification requirements:
Import of live susceptible species from Britain has remained suspended since November 2023 due to the inability to meet import certification requirements.
There has been no movement of BTV-susceptible species to Ireland from mainland Europe since prior to July 2024. This is due to the ongoing dynamic situation and rapid spread of BTV-3 in mainland Europe and animals unable to meet certification requirements for entry to Ireland.
Read more
Bluetongue identified on two farms in Wales
Bluetongue restrictions to be eased in Britain
Farmers are being urged to be vigilant for any signs of bluetongue virus (BTV) in cattle and sheep, after a number of cases of the virus were confirmed in Wales over the last week.
Four cases of bluetongue virus have been confirmed to date in Wales, all in cattle.
All of the cases are on farms near the English border. There has been 87 cases of bluetongue in England since July.
“Vigilance is critical to detect any cases promptly before the virus can replicate and become established in local livestock and midge populations,” the Department warned.
“Early detection of an incursion of the disease followed by timely action over the coming weeks would help to protect Ireland’s bluetongue disease-free status over the winter months and into the spring until temperatures begin to rise again,” it said.
High-risk period ending
Bluetongue virus is spread by infected biting midges which are present in Ireland and are generally most active between April and November.
The Department has said that bluetongue replication can only occur in the midge in temperatures above 12°C to 15°C.
“The higher-risk period for bluetongue incursion in Ireland via windblown infected midges from Britain and mainland Europe is coming to an end as temperatures steadily decrease,” it said.
Managing risk
Bluetongue surveillance is ongoing across the country, with the aim of early detection of the disease in the event it reaches Ireland.
Movements of live susceptible ruminants into Ireland must meet certification requirements:
Import of live susceptible species from Britain has remained suspended since November 2023 due to the inability to meet import certification requirements.
There has been no movement of BTV-susceptible species to Ireland from mainland Europe since prior to July 2024. This is due to the ongoing dynamic situation and rapid spread of BTV-3 in mainland Europe and animals unable to meet certification requirements for entry to Ireland.
Read more
Bluetongue identified on two farms in Wales
Bluetongue restrictions to be eased in Britain
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