German authorities have reported a total of 50 outbreaks of bluetongue since the start of the year. Italy, Greece and Spain have also reported outbreaks this year, while France has not yet reported any in 2019. Last year, there were a total of 666 outbreaks reported in France and the country remains restricted for BTV 8 and 4.

Belgium reported an outbreak of Bluetongue serotype 8 on 27 March this year, the first one in the country since December 2008.

A total of eight animals were affected in a susceptible population of 785. Control measures are now in place for the whole of Belgium.

The Department takes a risk-based approach to import testing of ruminant animals coming in from affected countries. All ruminant animals originating from Belgium are being tested when they arrive in Ireland.

The advice to herd owners is:

  • Do not import ruminant animals from bluetongue restricted areas unless absolutely necessary.
  • Contact your Regional Veterinary Office for advice if you are considering importing animals.
  • Seek additional assurances to ensure that animals are not infected with BTV prior to departure, such as a recent negative test for bluetongue carried out in an accredited laboratory.
  • On arrival, keep any imported animals isolated and indoors until they have been tested for BTV by staff from the Department and have returned a negative test result.
  • Follow biosecurity guidelines before making any decision to import.
  • Read more

    First case of bluetongue found in Germany

    Farmers warned against importing animals from bluetongue countries