Bluetongue is a viral disease primarily affecting cattle and sheep, spread by tiny biting midges. While it does not affect humans or food safety, it can make animals very ill and has serious implications for livestock trade.
Infected animals can suffer from fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, swelling of the face and tongue, lameness, reduced milk yield, and in severe cases, death. Pregnant animals can pass the virus to their unborn offspring. Sheep are generally more visibly affected than cattle, with mortality rates of up to 70% reported in severe outbreaks.
The economic impact could also be severe, including trade restrictions, movement controls, and potential culling of infected animals.
DAERA, Northern Ireland’s Agriculture Ministry, said results from its active surveillance programme indicated the presence of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) in two cows on a holding near Bangor.
The Department has moved swiftly to impose a 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) around the affected farm from 9pm on 29 November, halting the movement of cattle, sheep, goats, deer and camelids on and off holdings within the area while further investigations take place. Direct moves to slaughter are permitted under general licence.
The development marks the first suspected incursion of BTV-3 on the island, a strain that has swept across Europe in recent years and led to major disease control zones being established across Great Britain since 2023.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said the findings were “of great concern” and urged farmers within the TCZ to fully comply with movement restrictions.
“While there was always a potential for Bluetongue to arrive here, given its prevalence in GB and the EU, we must now do all we can to protect our livestock and limit the spread of the disease,” he said.
He noted that the Department’s rapid response measures were guided by its Bluetongue Disease Control Framework launched in June, and stressed that the virus poses no risk to human health or food safety.
“In the face of these suspected cases, my officials are taking all the necessary steps to protect the agri-food industry,” he said, adding that DAERA is working closely with authorities in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
This photograph shows vaccins after a vaccination campaign on cows against bluetongue disease, on a farm in Le Bodeo, western France on August 12, 2025. (Photo by LOU BENOIST / AFP)
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Sunday, November 30
Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, emphasised the unpredictability of the virus and the speed at which it can move through flocks and herds.
“Colleagues have been preparing for a possible incursion of this disease and have been working closely with our colleagues in the Republic of Ireland to ensure a co-ordinated response,” he said.
He urged farmers to source animals responsibly and to remain vigilant for clinical signs, advising keepers to report any concerns to their vet or local Divisional Veterinary Office, or through the DAERA helpline.
On the southern side of the border, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon described the situation as “unwelcome” and warned of “potentially serious implications” if Bluetongue were to take hold in any part of the island.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the affected farm family, and those farmers in the locality who will be worried about their own herds now,” he said.
Minister Heydon stressed that the risk of spread is lower at this time of year but said enhanced and targeted surveillance will now be carried out, including on-farm sampling of cattle and sheep, testing at Regional Veterinary Laboratories and checking animals slaughtered at meat plants.
He said he would be engaging closely with Minister Muir, highlighting the strong history of north–south cooperation on animal disease control.
