Livestock owners have been reminded to prepare for the higher risk period for bluetongue virus (BTV) by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon.
The minister outlined that vaccination can reduce the impact and severity of bluetongue virus on livestock, in turn preventing health issues and production losses that infection could cause.
“As we enter the summer period when sustained warmer temperatures will make replication of bluetongue virus possible within infected midges, I would like to advise cattle and sheep farmers to consult with their veterinary practitioners, to decide whether to vaccinate their flocks or herds,” the minister said.
“Sheep vaccination takes three weeks to take full effect, and cattle vaccination takes six weeks, so it is important to discuss with your private veterinarian now and decide whether or not to vaccinate.
“Bluetongue virus is spread via midges and temperatures need to be greater than 12°C for a sustained period for the virus to replicate within the midge so that the midge can spread the virus.
Optional measures
“In March, I added bluetongue vaccination as one of the optional measures under the 2026 National Sheep Welfare Scheme as well as the 2026 Beef Welfare Scheme, due to open in August as it did in previous years.”
This week the Department announced that some 3,000 herds have been vaccinated for bluetongue in Ireland to date, with over 270 BTV licenses issued to veterinary practices.
The Department also recently confirmed that one vaccine pack may be prescribed and dispensed to more than one herd or flock, subject to veterinary oversight and maintenance of strict biosecurity.
The bluetongue vaccine can be obtained from a farmer's veterinary practitioner, under licence from the Department and interested farmers should speak with their vet.
More information on bluetongue can be found on the Department’s website here.
SHARING OPTIONS