UK farmers are being hit hard with the reported cases of bluetongue rapidly growing, particularly in the south west of the country. The likelihood is that cases of bluetongue will be identified in the coming weeks and months in Ireland.
Scotland reported its first case of bluetongue on a farm in Kirkmabreck Dumfries and Galloway, which means the disease is circulating further north this year.
Farmers should be aware of the signs of the disease.
They include nasal discharge, redness and swelling of the lips, nose and muzzle and lameness.
It does not affect people and has no impact on food safety.
Should cases arise in the coming weeks, the likelihood of large-scale movement restrictions is slim. The veterinary advice is still to vaccinate stock regardless of the time of year.
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