Irish farmers are facing into a risky year for the potential incursion of bluetongue virus into cattle and sheep flocks, the Department of Agriculture’s deputy chief veterinary officer has said.
“There is no point not being straight about it. We should be realistic. We are at high risk of bluetongue in 2026,” Dr Eoin Ryan told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture last week.
“It is everywhere else in northern and western Europe. It has reached Northern Ireland. It is on the coast of Wales, Cornwall and Lancashire. We are at risk.
"That is why the minister authorised the bluetongue vaccination a few weeks ago to be used here,” he said. Dr Ryan told the committee that the Department engaged with the companies that manufacture the bluetongue vaccine recently and has been assured that they do not anticipate a supply issue.
“It is a commercial matter for wholesalers and veterinary practitioners to order in the vaccine and get it for their clients. We do not anticipate supply issues.
“We are in regular contact with the manufacturers of these vaccines and have been for a long time. We feel confident, based on those conversations, that there will be supply sufficient to demand,” he said.
There are three bluetongue vaccines authorised for use in Ireland under licence. These are Syvazul BTV 3, Bluevac 3, and Bultavo 3.
The dose schedule for vaccines will depend on the specific vaccine and the species vaccinated, a Department spokesperson said.
“Cattle and sheep farmers are advised to have a conversation with their veterinary practitioner about whether the use of BTV3 vaccines is the right choice for their circumstances, in advance of the high-risk summer 2026 season.”
Prior to Christmas, bluetongue was confirmed on four cattle farms in Northern Ireland with a total of 52 animals confirmed with it. No further cattle have been found with the virus.
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