The findings follow confirmation late last month of two positive cases on the same holding, prompting Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to establish a 20km Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) around the farm on 29 November.
While Bluetongue poses no risk to human health or food safety, the development represents a significant blow to the region’s status, with Northern Ireland having maintained Bluetongue-free accreditation up until now.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said the preliminary test results were “a huge disappointment” both for the affected holding and the wider agri-food sector.
“This farm operates to the highest biosecurity standards and our thoughts are with the owners and staff at this time,” he said. “Although Bluetongue has no implications for public health, the impact on farm animals means it is a threat we must take seriously.”
The Minister confirmed that plans are already in place for further surveillance across all farms within the TCZ, with movement restrictions remaining in force for all susceptible species including: cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas. Only licensed movements direct to slaughter are permitted.
Midges remain the primary vector for transmission of the viral disease, which typically spreads between April and November when midge activity is highest. However, recent surveillance has identified active midges in the Bangor area, despite the time of year, a finding that will unsettle many livestock farmers heading into winter.
Given the cross-border implications of any potential spread, Minister Muir said he had briefed Minister of State Martin Heydon on the situation. DAERA has also notified the Ulster Farmers’ Union, the UK Government and officials in the Republic, Scotland and Wales.
DAERA’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, said the department’s immediate focus was to determine whether the virus had spread beyond the initial holding.
“The affected farm remains under restriction, and the Temporary Control Zone stays in place to limit any possible transmission to or from neighbouring farms,” he said. “Our vets are now carrying out targeted surveillance to establish if further infection has occurred within the 20km zone.”
He urged farmers inside the TCZ to familiarise themselves with the movement restrictions and biosecurity requirements, warning that full cooperation in the coming days will be critical.
“Farmers should be extra vigilant for any signs of Bluetongue,” he said. “If you have concerns, contact your local Divisional Veterinary Office or the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840.”
The suspected spread on the Bangor farm will heighten fears about the island’s vulnerability to BTV-3, a strain that has advanced rapidly across mainland Europe in recent years, with significant outbreaks recorded in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France, as well as detections in Britain.
Although colder temperatures typically suppress midge activity and slow transmission, veterinary experts caution that unseasonably mild conditions, and the ability of wind to carry infected midges over large distances, mean Ireland remains exposed.
An outbreak in the Republic would carry major consequences, including potential trade restrictions, animal health impacts and severe disruption to livestock movements.
