Farmers on high alert as bluetongue hits Ireland

Farmers are on high alert after the first cases of bluetongue virus were confirmed in Ireland this week.

The virus has been identified on four farms in the Blackwater area of Co Wexford.

A total of 11 animals have tested positive for the disease, with the first case picked up by the Department of Agriculture’s ongoing surveillance testing for the virus.

No control zones have been imposed around the affected farms, as it is currently too cold for the virus to replicate in the vector that spreads the disease – biting midges.

Marts also continue to operate as normal in Co Wexford.

Cattle and sheep can move between Ireland and Northern Ireland for direct slaughter only, with a movement ban on store animals and breeding stock.

“There is no immediate proposal” to lift this suspension, deputy chief veterinary officer Dr Eoin Ryan told the Irish Farmers Journal.

Chinese market

China has moved to suspend Irish beef exports on the back of Ireland’s bluetongue positive status.

As part of the protocol agreed for beef exports, Ireland must inform China if a case of bluetongue occurs here.

“Officials are engaging with their Chinese counterparts on the matter,” Dr Ryan said.

The Chinese market had only reopened on 12 January following a visit to the country by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.