Farmers across Co, Tipperary are being urged to heighten vigilance and review on-farm biosecurity measures, following confirmation of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) confirmed in a herd of cattle in Co. Wexford, the first confirmed case in the Irish State.
The confirmation is “unwelcome” but not unexpected, pointing to the spread of the virus across Europe, Great Britain and recently in Northern Ireland.
Bluetongue is a viral disease of ruminants that can affect cattle and sheep, as well as goats, deer and llamas. The disease does not pose a risk to human health or food safety and is spread primarily by biting midges.
The current spell of colder weather should reduce the risk of onward spread at this time, as the virus cannot replicate effectively in midges when daily temperatures are below 12°C. Further sampling is under way to clarify the wider epidemiological picture.
While there are no implications for meat and dairy exports to the EU, UK and most international markets, the Minister warned the outbreak will affect exports of live cattle and sheep, with added costs and logistical requirements to meet importing-country rules.
Separately, the Department has already confirmed that bluetongue vaccination will be permitted in Ireland in 2026 for cattle and sheep, following detections of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland. Farmers are advised to engage with their private veterinary practitioner on the timing and suitability of any vaccination programme.
The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) described the Wexford confirmation as “hugely worrying” for the family concerned and the wider farming community, and said supports must be available for those impacted.
Advice to Tipperary farmers: what to do now
Although the confirmed case is in Wexford, farmers in Tipperary are being asked to remain alert and to act early if anything looks amiss:
- Monitor stock daily and contact your vet immediately if you see signs consistent with bluetongue (which can vary by species and individual animal), including fever, lethargy, lameness, facial swelling, mouth/eye/nose irritation or discharge, and sudden drops in performance.
- Tighten biosecurity around animal movements and visitors; keep accurate records and follow Department guidance if any restrictions or control measures are introduced.
- Reduce midge exposure where practical (e.g., housing vulnerable animals at peak midge activity times and using appropriate veterinary-approved insect control measures).
- Keep up to date with official Department updates as sampling continues and any control zones/movement measures are clarified.
Farmers are being encouraged to take the situation seriously but calmly, with early reporting seen as critical to limiting spread and protecting the live trade, particularly as the sector prepares for the 2026 vaccination programme.
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