Amid a growing threat from bluetongue virus (BTV-3), authorities in NI continue to undertake abattoir surveillance for the disease and post-import testing of susceptible animals from EU countries, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has confirmed. Speaking at Stormont on Monday, the minister said suspect cases in NI have been ruled out following testing, so we remain free of the disease.

However, there has been a surge in cases across Britain this current vector season (from 1 July) and the first Irish case was identified in a heifer on a farm in Wexford last Friday.

“The increase in BTV-3 is concerning. I encourage all livestock keepers to consult their private veterinary practitioner for advice on vaccinating their livestock against the threat of BTV-3. That is not compulsory; it is optional, and vaccines are available at the moment,” said the minister.

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By Tuesday of this week, there have been 973 cases of BTV-3 since 1 July, including 841 in England, 111 in Wales and 21 cases in Scotland, all of which have been in Dumfries and Galloway. A case is defined as a premises on which at least one bluetongue positive animal has been confirmed.