The major threat posed by bluetongue was immediately evident to members of the Offaly Quality Lamb Producer Group, at their recent visit to the Sommet de l’Elevage agricultural show held in Clermont-Ferrand, France. The sheep exhibit was greatly reduced, with farmers wary of showing sheep due to the high risk of disease on the continent. Many farmers that group members spoke to reported losses of in excess of 15% being the norm, with some conveying reports of flocks being hit with losses of upwards of 25% to 30%.