The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) animal health chair David Hall has urged farmers to remain vigilant following a recent case of the bluetongue virus in Co Wexford.

The confirmed case of BTV-3 was found in an unvaccinated, 16-month-old heifer and is the first confirmed Irish infection in 2026.

“The confirmation is concerning as we are now in the high midge activity season," Hall said. "Recent warm and damp weather has created ideal conditions for the midges that spread the disease."

ADVERTISEMENT

He pointed to affected animals in the UK as “particularly worrying”.

“The recent increase in clinically sick cattle and sheep in the UK is particularly worrying and highlights the need for farmers here to monitor their animals closely and immediately report any suspected signs to their veterinary practitioner and the Department of Agriculture,” he said.

“The very strong uptake of vaccination among farmers has significantly strengthened Ireland’s preparedness and will help protect susceptible animals and limit its impact on individual farms.”