The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has declared a 20-kilometre Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) near Bangor, Co. Down, after surveillance indicated a possible case of Bluetongue virus (BTV) in two cows, latter the first suspected detection of the disease on the island of Ireland.
The TCZ came into force at 21:00 on Saturday last, November 29th, 2025. Under the restrictions, movement of susceptible species, including cattle, sheep, goats, deer and camelids, on or off any premises within that zone is prohibited, except when animals are being moved directly to slaughter under licence.
While preliminary results have triggered the alert, DAERA emphasises that full testing and investigations are ongoing. The suspected cases were detected via the Department’s active disease-surveillance programme.
Authorities stress the serious implications if the virus becomes established. Though bluetongue poses no known risk to human health or food safety, it can have devastating effects on animal health and welfare, with possible consequences including illness, death, reduced productivity, and trade restrictions.
If established livestock and farm economies could face significant disruption.
In a joint north-south effort, authorities have called for heightened vigilance and strict compliance with biosecurity and movement controls. Farmers and all livestock keepers have been urged to monitor their animals closely and to report any suspicious signs immediately to their veterinarian or the relevant veterinary office.
Bluetongue (BTV) is a viral disease that affects domestic and wild ruminants, including sheep, cattle, goats, deer, as well as llamas and alpacas. The virus is transmitted by small biting midges (species of the Culicoides midge) rather than by direct contact between animals.
There are many different serotypes of Bluetongue virus; some strains cause little or no clinical signs in infected animals, while others, especially in more sensitive species such as sheep, can lead to severe disease.
Clinical signs may include fever; loss of appetite; swelling of the face, lips or tongue; salivation or nasal discharge; lameness; and, in severe cases, ulcers, respiratory distress, reproductive losses (such as abortion), or death.
Importantly, Bluetongue poses no risk to human health or food safety: it cannot infect people, nor can it be transmitted through consumption of meat or milk from affected animals.
Why it Matters, – Risk and Implications.
The insects that transmit Bluetongue, biting midges, are present in Ireland, and are typically most active during the warmer months (historically April to November).
The disease remains present in many parts of continental Europe; virus-carrying midges or the movement of infected animals or biological products (such as germinal material) means there is an ongoing risk of incursion.
If Bluetongue becomes established, the consequences could include serious welfare problems for livestock, loss of production (meat, milk, wool), increased mortality in vulnerable flocks or herds, reduced fertility or loss of offspring in pregnant animals, and the possibility of movement or trade restrictions for live animals or animal products.
Because many infections, particularly in cattle or goats, may show no obvious signs, the disease can spread undetected, making early detection and active surveillance critical to preventing outbreaks.
For Farmers & Livestock Keepers – What To Do.
(1) Remain vigilant for any signs of ill-thrift, swelling, mouth or nose lesions, drooling, nasal discharge, lameness, or unexpected abortions in animals.
(2) Report any suspicion immediately to your veterinary service or the relevant animal-health authority, remembering that Bluetongue is a notifiable exotic.
(3) Minimise risk of midge bites: use good bio-security practices, house animals in midge-proof accommodation where feasible, especially at dawn and dusk when midges are most active.
(4) Be cautious when sourcing livestock, germinal products or breeding material from regions where Bluetongue is known to circulat.
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